Virginia Duo Sentenced to 28 Years for Trafficking Cocaine

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Two individuals were sentenced to prison yesterday for possessing two firearms while, and in the furtherance of, distributing cocaine.

Marcus Troy Moody, 30, of Suffolk, was sentenced to approximately 17 years in prison, while Latoya Patrice Carter, 29, of Hampton, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

According to court documents, Moody and Carter were initially stopped by Newport News Police for a routine traffic violation at 3:42 in the morning on December 30, 2018. Police immediately smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from both the vehicle occupants and subsequently conducted a narcotics investigation. A lawful search of the vehicle and its occupants resulted in two loaded firearms – one with an extended magazine; an additional loaded magazine; a distribution amount of cocaine; narcotics packaging material; a digital scale; and approximately $3,913.30 in U.S. currency. 

A jury found the co-conspirators guilty on all counts charged: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; and two counts of Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Moody, a prior felon, was also found guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen S. Taylor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf 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 are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-51.