Mario Williams, Fentanyl Distribution, Virginia 2023

A Richmond man has been sentenced to 160 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 550 grams of fentanyl.

Mario Williams, 55, was a prolific drug dealer who sold fentanyl daily from his car at a car wash and a convenience store in Richmond, Virginia, according to court documents.

Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained search warrants and planned an operation to detain Williams. On March 16, 2023, an agent conducting surveillance at the car wash watched Williams engage in multiple suspected drug deals.

Agents detained Williams and searched his person, his cars, and his home. They recovered 549 grams of fentanyl—more than 5,000 individual doses—47 grams of cocaine base, 12 grams of cocaine, and 120 oxycodone pills. Agents also seized three firearms and an additional loaded magazine.

Williams had over $1,200 on his person when he was arrested.

After his arrest, Williams admitted to dealing drugs. During the bail determination after his arrest, when asked by the magistrate judge about his sources of income, Williams stated, “Deal drugs, and I have no idea how much money I make.”

Williams, who was sentenced as a career offender, was previously convicted of second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a murder, assault and battery of a police officer, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-47.

U.S. District Judge David J. Novak handed down the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Wright prosecuted the case.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant Name: Mario Williams
Exact Criminal Charges: Possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 550 grams of fentanyl
City and State: Richmond, Virginia
EXACT DATE: March 16, 2023
Sentence or outcome: 160 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release
Dollar amounts where applicable: $1,200

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