Heroin Dealer Sentenced for Role in Multi-State Trafficking Conspiracy

RICHMOND, Va. – A New York man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his role as a source of supply in a two-year drug conspiracy that trafficked 5 kilograms of heroin from New York to Richmond.

“Combatting the opioid epidemic is a top priority for this office,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Individuals like Birthright, who pump poison into our communities for profit, will continue to receive the full attention of federal, state and local law enforcement as we seek to rid our streets of dangerous and highly-addictive opioids.”

According to court documents, from on or before December 2015 through May 2017, Antonio Birthwright, 37, of Bronx, participated in a multi-state heroin trafficking conspiracy by serving as a source of supply to several Central Virginia area drug dealers. Birthwright would travel on commercial bus lines from the Bronx to Richmond to distribute varying amounts of heroin. Once in Richmond, Birthwright would distribute the heroin, collect the drug proceeds, and travel back to New York.

“DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our state and local law enforcement counterparts and commends the U.S. Attorney’s Office for holding accountable those individuals and organizations who transport deadly opioids into Virginia and distribute them in our communities,” said Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Washington Field Division. “This investigation is a prime example of the lengths that drug traffickers are willing to go in order to profit from the deadly opioid epidemic, as well as the extent that law enforcement will go in order to bring them to justice.”

In late April 2017, DEA agents executed a search warrant at a Richmond area residence operated by Birthwright’s co-conspirators and recovered 1.4 kilograms heroin, a hydraulic press, drug packaging materials, and $2500. The heroin recovered in the residence was distributed by Birthwright to his Richmond based co-conspirators. During the course of the conspiracy, Birthwright distributed a total of 5 kilograms of heroin.   

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik S. Siebert and Peter S. Duffey 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. 3:18-cr-87.