Portsmouth Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

NORFOLK, Va. – Kenneth Ray Matthews, 44, of Portsmouth, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and transferring a firearm to a felon.

Matthews was found guilty by a federal jury on Sept. 29, 2016, following a three-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Matthews and his son, Kenneth Ray Meeks, 27, also of Portsmouth, distributed over 13 kilograms of cocaine in the Hampton Roads area between November 2013 and August 2015. On Aug. 13, 2015, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Matthews’ residence in Portsmouth and discovered 17 grams of cocaine, digital scales, 34 firearms, 3,288 rounds of ammunition and over $30,000 in cash.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; Col. K.L. Wright, Chesapeake Chief of Police; and Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.

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 No. 2:16-cr-61.