NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A mother and son were sentenced to prison on Jan. 20 for their roles in a conspiracy to deal firearms without a license.
According to court documents, Devonte Jermaine Kelley, 24, and Lalita Jane Owens, 45, both of Newport News, used Armslist, an online marketplace for arranging private firearms sales, and other avenues to facilitate and negotiate illegal firearms transactions. During the conspiracy, Kelley was involved in the dealing of 23 firearms with a value of at least $12,117.24. Owens purchased 16 of the 23 firearms before Kelley’s 21st birthday when he could not legally purchase handguns.
Kelley and Owens made false statements on federal forms attesting to being the actual transferees and buyers of the firearms during purchases from licensed firearms dealers. Law enforcement agencies connected several firearms purchased by Kelley and Owens that were seized or used in crimes involving associates of Kelley, some of whom are affiliated with the Walk Down Gang, formerly known as Warwick Lawnz.
Kelley pled guilty on Aug. 21, 2025, and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Owens pled guilty on Aug. 26, 2025, and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Podlesni and Peter Osyf prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-34.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Eastern District of Virginia — U.S. Department of Justice press release.