Richmond Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Michael Newman, 37 of Richmond, pleaded guilty today to charges of conspiring to distribute marijuana and ethylone.

According to a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Newman was located at a closed gas station in James City County on May 10, 2015, and found to be in possession of marijuana, ethylone, drug scales and more than $3,000 in cash. The marijuana and ethylone were both intended for distribution.

Newman was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 10, 2015, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 25, 2015. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Clark E. Settles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington; David G. Bowers, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services’ Washington Division; and Bradley Rinehimer, Chief of James City County Police, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Doulas E. Miller.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt is prosecuting 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. 4:15cr56.

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