Suffolk Man Indicted for Distribution of Heroin Resulting in Death

NORFOLK, Va. – Carlos A. Brown, 45, of Suffolk, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of distribution of heroin resulting in death, distribution of heroin resulting in serious bodily injury, distribution of heroin and distribution of fentanyl.

According to the indictment and other filed documents, the investigation of Brown’s drug activities began in November 2015 after an investigative team was dispatched to the scene of a suspected heroin overdose death in Chesapeake.  Over the course of the next six months, members of the law enforcement team, which includes the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, the Virginia State Police, and the Chesapeake Police Department, began gathering various sources of information including Confidential Human Source (CHS) interviews, as well as arrest and police reports related to the drug distribution activities of Brown.  The interviews were corroborated with undercover controlled buys of heroin and fentanyl from Brown as well as physical and electronic surveillance. Documents filed with the court indicate that in late November 2015, Brown contacted one buyer describing his heroin as a “missile.”  Brown told one CHS that he was aware of three or four of his customers overdosing, yet he continued to sell heroin, which lead to a fatal overdose the following day.  Even after learning of the fatal overdose, Brown continued to sell heroin.

Brown faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, if convicted. 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; Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; and John S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after the grand jury returned the indictment.  Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Butler, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew C. Bosse and Joseph E. DePadilla are 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. 2:16-cr-67.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.