Chesapeake man sentenced to over six years in prison after attempting to receive three kilos of cocaine

NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced yesterday to six years and four months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on Nov. 1, 2024, law enforcement intercepted a parcel, shipped from California, containing over three kilograms of cocaine. Investigators performed a controlled delivery of the parcel to the intended address in Portsmouth, and the parcel was retrieved by Kevin Russell Beasley, 51. Beasley was immediately taken into custody.

“Illegal narcotics and firearms are a dangerous combination that fuels violence and puts entire communities at risk,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). “Removing drugs and weapons from our streets saves lives and makes communities safer. EDVA will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute narcotics trafficking and firearms crimes.”

“Drug dealers who use our commercial delivery systems to funnel poison into our cities will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice,” said Christopher Heck, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Washington, D.C. “This case reflects Homeland Security Investigations’ core mission to dismantle criminal organizations, protect public safety, and safeguard our communities. Through proactive enforcement and strong law enforcement partnerships, our agents intercepted a major narcotics shipment, seized illegal drugs and cash, and removed a dangerous felon from the streets. HSI Washington, D.C. remains fully committed to the relentless pursuit of criminal networks and ensuring those who traffic drugs and threaten the safety of Americans face the full extent of the law.”

“Virginia State Police is proud to work with our federal and local partners to take dangerous drugs and drug traffickers off of Virginia’s streets,” said Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “The safety of the public is our top priority, and we are grateful for the combined efforts that went into securing this conviction."

During a search of Beasley’s residence, investigators discovered approximately 14 kilograms of marijuana; 84.44 grams of cocaine; 786.5 grams of psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocyn/psilocybin; 182 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) vape pen cartridges; 85.52 grams of marijuana wax; 10 boxes of sandwich bags; a bill-money counting machine; approximately $35,000 in cash; two cellphones; and a loaded firearm.

In 2016, Beasley used the mail to receive marijuana for distribution. Chesapeake Police arrested Beasley after he loaded a parcel containing marijuana into his car following a controlled delivery of the parcel to a residence in Chesapeake. During a search of Beasley’s Portsmouth residence, investigators recovered two firearms and over 200 additional grams of marijuana. Following his arrest, Beasley warned his co-conspirators by text message. Beasley was convicted of distribution/possession with intent to distribute marijuana and obstruct justice in Chesapeake and possession with intent to distribute marijuana in Portsmouth. As a convicted felon, Beasley cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

The Virginia Beach Police Department provided significant assistance in the investigation of this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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 are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-95.