Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing firearms during a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, Antwon Grant, 45, was involved in a large scale drug organization that stretched from Virginia to Maryland, DEA agents obtained a search warrant for storage unit Grant rented at a facility in Chesapeake. A court authorized search of the self-storage unit revealed 662 grams of cocaine and five firearms.

Grant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on September 18. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney William D. Muhr is prosecuting 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. 2:18-cr-50.