NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Franklin man previously convicted of a federal felony was sentenced to more than seven years for his role in a conspiracy to straw-purchase firearms.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office cited court documents saying 25-year-old Khary Deshun Smith and several others were part of the conspiracy that bought at least seven firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in Franklin. 

Smith, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous conviction, illegally bought a firearm from a gun store with the help of a co-defendant, Larry Parrish. 

Prosecutors said Smith stole a gun from his girlfriend in another instance, loaded it with an extended magazine and used it in a firefight with enemy gang members.

Authorities found a third firearm tucked under a chair cushion in Smith’s living room after they executed a search warrant.