RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict against Christopher McPherson, 30, of Hampton, Virginia, on charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On April 2021, McPherson was arrested for his alleged role in a drug trafficking organization. During the arrest, authorities discovered a firearm, cocaine, marijuana, a cutting agent to mix with cocaine, a money counting machine, currency, and a cocaine press in his possession.
The firearm, a tool of the drug trade, was used to intimidate others and protect McPherson from rival drug dealers, witnesses testified. Additionally, McPherson’s prior felony conviction prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
McPherson’s conviction includes possessing a firearm in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as possessing the firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
McPherson is set to be sentenced on February 13, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine the actual sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen are prosecuting the case. The investigation was led by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.
Christopher McPherson, a 30-year-old Hampton man, was found guilty of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Defendant’s Name: Christopher McPherson
Criminal Charges: Possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm
City and State: Hampton, Virginia
Arrest Date: April 2021
Sentence or Outcome: McPherson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, with sentencing set for February 13, 2023
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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