Hampton, Virginia – Lemoyne Williams, 44, of Hampton, was sentenced to 26 years and 10 months in federal prison for cocaine trafficking and criminal possession of guns.
The term, imposed by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen, concludes a years-long investigation into Williams’ massive narcotics business and illegal possession of guns.
A Long Trail of Criminal Activity
According to court records, Williams conspired with others to produce, distribute, and possess large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine between June 2018 and his arrest on October 14, 2022. The Newport News Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics, which revealed his actions.
After the controlled buy, authorities executed a search warrant on Williams’ flat and vehicles on October 30, 2019. Despite several minutes of knocking, authorities had to force their way inside the home. Inside, they discovered Williams with his intimate partner and two children, ages three and twelve.
The search yielded approximately 50 grammes of heroin and fentanyl, 45 grammes of cocaine, other prohibited narcotics, a pill press, digital scales, ten telephones, about $3,000 in cash, and a stolen firearm with 14 rounds of ammo concealed in a bathroom floor vent.
Subsequent Arrest and Additional Evidence
On August 10, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Williams in connection with his activities in 2019. In October 2022, officers attempted to arrest Williams, but he refused to comply. Agents broke through his door and discovered narcotics and drug-processing tools in plain sight.
After obtaining a search warrant, they seized roughly 45 grammes of methamphetamine, two grammes of crack cocaine, and five grammes of fentanyl and cocaine powder. They also confiscated processing materials, three telephones, and five loaded guns.
A History of Criminal Behavior
Williams’ criminal record goes back at least to 1999, when he was convicted of manslaughter. In 2000, he was charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, wearing body armour, and driving a stolen vehicle while awaiting trial.
Williams was under court supervision for a past narcotics trafficking conviction when he committed his most recent offences.
Jessica D. Aber, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, emphasised the importance of the case in combating drug trafficking and gun offences.
She was accompanied by Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; and Jimmie Wideman, Chief of Hampton Police, in announcing the sentence.
Assistant US Attorney Julie Podlesni prosecuted the case, which shows federal and local law enforcement agencies’ coordinated efforts to combat drug-related offences.