Portsmouth drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prison (DOJ)

Press Release

Portsmouth drug trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prison

Thursday, October 1, 2026

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For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Virginia

NORFOLK, Va. - A Portsmouth man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, in September 2025, Suffolk Police conducted four controlled purchases of narcotics, including cocaine and heroin, from Moses Elijah Williams, 40, at his residence in Portsmouth. In August and September 2025, Chesapeake Police (CPD) conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Williams.

On Oct. 2, 2025, CPD searched Williams' residence. Investigators recovered approximately a kilogram of cocaine, along with smaller quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine base, and digital scales. They also recovered a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun. As a previously convicted felon, Williams cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Cindy Marx, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Washington Division; and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. The DEA, ATF, HIDTA Hampton Roads Regional Drug Initiative, Suffolk Police Department, and Chesapeake Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Cheney prosecuted the case.

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. 2:26-cr-52.