Henry Scott, Heroin Trafficking, Virginia 2023

Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to Mandatory Minimum of Five Years in Prison

NORFOLK, Va. – In a shocking turn of events, a Suffolk man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Henry Scott, 53, was a significant distributor of heroin in Suffolk, according to court documents.

After conducting four controlled purchases of heroin from Scott for a total amount of 50 grams, the Suffolk Police and DEA obtained a search warrant for Scott’s person, his residence, and his vehicle. Inside Scott’s vehicle, agents discovered 64 grams of heroin. Inside his residence, agents found 27 grams of heroin along with an AR-15 style firearm with a 60-round drum magazine.

Scott pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug distribution. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of life in prison when sentenced on October 1. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney William D. Muhr is prosecuting the case.

The investigation into Scott’s heroin trafficking operation was a collaborative effort between the Suffolk Police and the DEA. The case highlights the ongoing struggle against heroin trafficking in the region and the importance of community partnerships in reducing violent crime.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about Scott’s operation to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Suffolk Police Department or the DEA’s tips line.

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