Dozens Arrested in Massive Gun and Drug Sting Operation

NORFOLK, Va. – Over 150 law enforcement agents and officers executed a major takedown today, arresting dozens of individuals for their respective roles in selling drugs and guns in Norfolk. Twelve federal defendants are in custody for firearms and drug charges, while more than a dozen others were arrested on state charges.

“This historic operation represents our commitment to making the streets of Norfolk as safe as we can,” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Illegal firearms are the principal tools employed in the deadly cycles of turf battles and gang conflicts that deprive our neighborhoods and families of the peace and security that we treasure as Americans. The actions taken today reflect the coordinated, skilled and brave work of law enforcement. They are to be applauded. But they should also remind each of us that a peaceful community can only be realized when citizens share in the serious work of upholding the common good and respecting the rule of law.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) began Operation Riptide in the Fall of 2016, and in collaboration with the Norfolk Police Department, Virginia State Police, and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, identified more than 30 individuals throughout Hampton Roads who were illegally selling firearms, heroin, and or other narcotics. Operation Riptide resulted in the recovery of over 50 firearms (including at least 3 assault rifles, 2 sawed off shotguns, and 47 hand guns, 18 of which had obliterated serial numbers or were stolen), over 170 grams of heroin, 65 grams of powder cocaine, 290 grams of crack cocaine, and a bullet proof vest. Ten of the 12 federal defendants are previously convicted felons, while seven are allegedly affiliated with the United Blood Nation gang.

“Deadly heroin overdoses and the recent spike in gun violence remain serious concerns in Hampton Roads,” said Attorney General Mark Herring. “This kind of unified, coordinated response to emerging public safety threats is exactly why I invested OAG resources in the Hampton Roads region. Because of hard work and collaboration by local, state, and federal partners, dozens of dangerous individuals are off the streets today.”

"Today's action was a collaborative effort between ATF and officers of the Virginia State Police, Norfolk PD, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake PD, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, and the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office,” said Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division. The ATF actively partners with its law enforcement colleagues in the Hampton Roads area and targets those who commit violent crimes and illegally possess firearms.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; Gregory D. Underwood, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Norfolk; and Larry Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after the federal arrests were made and the indictments were unsealed.

This case was investigated by the ATF’s Norfolk Field Office, the Norfolk Police Department, and the Virginia State Police, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals, Virginia Beach Police Department, the Chesapeake Police Department, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office. Attorneys from the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Unit, John F. Butler and James F. Entas, are prosecuting these cases with the assistance of Norfolk Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Catherine Paxson, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew C. Bosse, Kevin M. Comstock, Joseph E. DePadilla, Kevin Hudson, William B. Jackson, William D. Muhr, and Daniel T. Young.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:17-cr-21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37.

Below is table which lists the name, age, hometown, and respective charge(s) each defendant faces.