Black P-Stones Gangster Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A gang member who pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy and use of a firearm resulting in death was sentenced today to 30 years in prison.

Desmond Finnell, 30, of Newport News, pleaded guilty on Nov. 15, 2016. According to court documents and trial testimony, Finnell was a lieutenant in the Black P-Stones gang headed by Michael Hopson between 2007 and 2010. Finnell was responsible for multiple shootings in Newport News and Hampton as part of his P-Stones gang activity. On Nov. 28, 2010, Finnell lured Ernest “Critter” Crudup to a location in Newport News where he shot him to death, as he believed Crudup robbed him of between 15 and 20 pounds of marijuana.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Department of Justice prosecuted the case.

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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:13-cr-96.