Kelsey Manning, Cocaine & Fentanyl Trafficking, Virginia 2023

A federal jury in Newport News, Virginia convicted Kelsey Manning, 31, of Houston, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine and fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on September 28, 2023, law enforcement investigators were performing surveillance at an apartment complex in Hampton to locate Manning for outstanding indictments on narcotics distribution offenses out of James City County.

When Manning left an apartment and entered his vehicle, investigators took him into custody. At the time, Manning possessed around 7.9 grams of cocaine base, around 1.9 grams of fentanyl, and $5,303.

A K9 unit performed an exterior sweep of Manning’s vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for narcotics. Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered a bag containing approximately a kilogram of cocaine, two boxes of baking soda, an aluminum pot, and a measuring cup with a whisk.

Manning also possessed a key fob to access the apartment building. The fob was registered to Ashley Manning. During a search of the apartment, Investigators recovered approximately $114,000, approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and approximately a kilogram of fentanyl.

Manning faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on August 14.

Manning, 31, of Houston, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine and fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

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 gun violence.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/texas-drug-trafficker-convicted-cocaine-fentanyl-conspiracy