CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Richard Sanders, arrested at Tonsler Park on June 13, 2024, has pled guilty to possession of a machine gun, a charge stemming from an incident that took place amid a gathering of children and spectators during a basketball game. At the time of his arrest, Sanders was found with two concealed firearms, including a handgun modified to fire in fully automatic mode and an AK-style firearm with a 30-round magazine.

Sanders was initially charged with multiple firearms-related offenses, including possession of a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm within a city park, as part of an ongoing investigation into local gun violence. His plea addresses the most severe charge, possession of a machine gun, which means he now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Sanders is scheduled for sentencing on February 11, 2025.

Previously: Charlottesville Police make another illegal firearms arrest – Cville Right Now