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Two Men Sentenced to Prison in Multi-Kilogram Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy
In a major blow to the narcotics trade, two men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a multi-kilogram cocaine trafficking conspiracy in Emporia, Virginia.
Hershell Grant, 52, of Richmond, and Marvin Baskerville, 44, of North Carolina, were each handed down lengthy prison sentences. Grant was sentenced to 14 years, while Baskerville received a 17 1/2 year sentence.
The sentencing comes after an investigation by the FBI’s Richmond Area Violent Enterprises Task Force, as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Bulls Eye. The case involved the distribution of at least 130 kilograms of cocaine in the Emporia area over the last two years.
According to court documents, Grant supplied the members of the conspiracy with approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine, while Baskerville was one of the primary customers, purchasing approximately 30 kilograms for redistribution in the Richmond area.
Both men were found in possession of firearms when they were arrested earlier this year. The sentencing marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to dismantle the cocaine trafficking organization and keep illegal drugs out of the community.
“Grant and Baskerville are responsible for distributing at least 130 kilograms of dangerous narcotics onto the streets of Emporia and the surrounding area,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Together with our law enforcement partners we are targeting areas where firearms and the drug trade are fueling violence and endangering the safety of those communities.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Duffey and was announced after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. The FBI, DEA, Virginia State Police, Emporia Police, and Greensville County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the investigation.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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