RICHMOND, Va. -- In what is likely the final legal step related to the now debunked July 4 Richmond mass shooting plot, Julio Alvarado Dubon was sentenced to 16 months in prison for weapons possession by someone in the United States illegally.
Dubon took responsibility for overstaying his work visa and buying two weapons that were found in his Richmond home.
But federal judge Hannah Lauch made a point to get it on the record that Dubon's alleged connection to an unfounded mass shooting threat against the 2022 Dogwood Dell fireworks show was “overplayed” and “took on a life of its own.”
In July 2022, former Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith and multiple city leaders accused Dubon of being the mastermind of a terror plot to commit a mass shooting at the fireworks show attended by thousands of Richmonders. Ultimately, there was no evidence of any such plot.
A tipster had claimed Dubon’s roommate made the threat.
Police found weapons inside Dubon’s South Richmond home during the search for evidence.
Judge Lauch told Dubon during sentencing that having the guns illegally can’t be ignored and the whole situation rolled out from there.
Dubon has already served 17 months in federal prison, he will likely be released soon to the custody of U.S. Immigration officials where he’ll face a deportation review.
Dubon’s attorney Jose Aponte said the consequences of being falsely named as the mastermind of a terrorist plot have outweighed any punishment the court could lay down.
Dubon came to the U.S. to provide for his family after extortion threats in Guatemala and similar threats have resurfaced since he was named as a terror suspect, his lawyer said.
Aponte said Dubon's daughter even lost her job over the false accusation.
"The impact of the premature and unfounded claims of terrorism is equally punitive to whatever sentence Mr. Alvarado receives. False publicity in his home country resulted in people threatening his family," Aponte wrote in court documents. "While housed at the Richmond City Jail, and based on information put forth by the media about 'his terrorist plans,' Mr. Alvarado was physically assaulted by inmates and was extorted for money to avoid harm to his family.
After the hearing, Aponte said he was glad Dubon got to hear from a federal judge that the case had been blown out of portion.
Current RPD Chief Rick Edwards was not in charge in July 2022 and took over command after former Cheif Smith resigned following fallout from the situation. Thursday at a crime briefing, CBS 6 asked Edwards his thoughts on the whole ordeal.
"As you said, I wasn’t in charge at the time. I’ve also said this. . . I’d like to choose my words very carefully when it comes to those events. So, I’ll just leave it at that," Edwards said.
Aponte said he did not know the timing of when Dubon would be released. In court, the Judge Lauch mentioned he might be seeking asylum during his deportation proceedings.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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