Feds Charge Woodbridge Man After DOJ Launches Civil Rights Probe Into Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A Woodbridge man faces federal firearms charges after a Feb. 18 domestic dispute in Herndon, a case that has shifted to federal court amid a newly launched U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division notified Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano on Wednesday that it is investigating whether his office's plea bargaining and sentencing policies offer "preferential treatment" to undocumented defendants at the expense of U.S. citizens. Descano, a Democrat, called the probe a "partisan attack" by the Trump Administration, noting the investigation was announced just a week before he is scheduled to testify before Congress.

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In the case of Khari Jakai Wheeler, federal authorities took over prosecution after state-level charges of carrying a concealed weapon and obstruction of justice were dropped in Fairfax County General District Court on May 5. Wheeler was arrested on a federal criminal complaint the following day.

According to a federal affidavit, Fairfax County Police Department officers responded to a domestic dispute at an apartment on William Short Circle in Herndon on Feb. 18. Upon arrival, officers encountered Wheeler in the vicinity of the apartment. Wheeler told police "he was trying to get his clothes" by knocking on the apartment door.

Federal authorities allege that when an officer attempted to conduct a pat-down, Wheeler shoved the officer and tried to flee. During the ensuing struggle, a firearm fell or was thrown from Wheeler's person, prompting an officer to shout, "He’s got a gun!" Wheeler was apprehended after a short foot chase.

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The recovered firearm, a Glock 17 Gen4 9mm pistol, was loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, including one in the chamber. During a subsequent interview with an FCPD detective, Wheeler reportedly admitted to carrying the weapon "for protection" and stated he had owned it "for years." Wheeler also acknowledged a prior felony conviction from 2021 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and concealed carry.

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Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms. Samuel Supnick, a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, noted the weapon was manufactured outside of Virginia, establishing the necessary interstate commerce nexus for federal prosecution.

Wheeler made his initial federal court appearance on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ivan D. Davis. During a detention hearing on Friday, Wheeler waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Davis ordered Wheeler to remain detained pending further proceedings before a grand jury, citing safety concerns.

Wheeler is represented by Cadence Mertz of the Federal Public Defender’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Rieff is prosecuting the case.