Michael Hopson, Racketeering Conspiracy, VA 2024

Michael Hopson, 39, of Newport News, Virginia, was convicted today on federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder, robbery, and obstruction of justice. The verdict, delivered by a federal jury, marks the fall of a self-proclaimed gang architect who built a violent empire under the name P-Stones—also known as the P-Stone Bloods and Cobra Stones—operating in the Denbigh area of Newport News.

Hopson, known as “Hop” and “Big Homie,” founded and led the P-Stones, a criminal enterprise tied to multiple shootings, drug trafficking, and intimidation campaigns targeting rival gangs and drug dealers. According to trial evidence, Hopson orchestrated the gang’s operations from recruitment to execution, collecting monthly dues, organizing drug and firearm distribution, and personally ordering retaliatory violence—including multiple murders between 2007 and 2009.

The court heard how Hopson used his position as a security officer at Denbigh High School to exploit his access, recruiting minors and selling narcotics to students. Authorities say the role gave him cover to expand the gang’s reach, funneling stolen cash and drugs into firearms purchases and legal defense funds for incarcerated members. The betrayal of public trust was central to the prosecution’s case.

Among the grisly acts tied to Hopson: on November 6, 2007, he greenlit the murder of 17-year-old E.S., a P-Stone member suspected of ties to the rival Thug Relations gang. E.S. was lured to a meeting and executed; the killer was later promoted. On December 10, 2008, Hopson authorized the shooting of a Crip known as J.W.; bullets fired into J.W.’s home injured his father, who was struck by flying debris.

Further attacks include the March 9, 2009, barrage of gunfire into the home of two 10-1 Mafia Crips members in retaliation for a P-Stone beating. On April 17, 2009, Hopson ordered another home shot up simply because those inside had disrespected him. Then on June 12, 2009, he ordered the attempted murder of A.J., a Thug Relations member tied to a P-Stone killing. A.J. was shot and wounded.

Hopson now faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen. The case was announced by Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell; and FBI Norfolk Special Agent in Charge Martin W. Culbreth. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey.

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