Career offender sentenced to 15 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl

NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, in June 2025, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 35.1 grams of fentanyl from Bradley Jamal Shines, 38. On July 29, 2025, law enforcement searched an address associated with Shines. Investigators recovered two loaded handguns, 76.9 grams of fentanyl, 14.9 grams of fentanyl caps, 100 grams of a suspected cutting agent, and $4,099.

Shines has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and unlawful possession of firearms. As a convicted felon, Shines cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Cindy Marx, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. The DEA, the Norfolk Police Department, the Virginia Beach Police Department, and the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistance was provided by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Heck prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-10.