Michael Hopson, Racketeering and Murder, Virginia 2017

Newport News Gangster Convicted of Racketeering and Murder Charges

Michael Hopson, 39, of Newport News, was convicted today by a federal jury on charges of racketeering conspiracy, including acts of murder, attempted murder, robbery, obstruction of justice, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and other charges.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Hopson, (aka “Hop” aka “Big Homie”) was the founding member and leader of the P-Stones, also referred to as the P-Stone Bloods and Cobra Stones, that operate primarily in the Denbigh area of Newport News. The P-Stones engage in violent crimes including murders, illegal drug trafficking, obstruction of justice and robberies that often target narcotics dealers and use stolen currency and inventory to purchase firearms and fund gang members’ court dues.

Hopson faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison when sentenced on March 3, 2017. The maximum statutory sentence of life is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the statutory penalty, the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to evidence presented at trial, as the leader, Hopson planned, directed and participated in recruitment of members, including minors; collected monthly gang dues; carried out and ordered violations; ordered and presided over meetings; and organized other firearm and marijuana distribution. Hopson also served as a security officer at Denbigh High School, in which he used his security officer position to further the Black P-Stones gang by recruiting minors and selling narcotics to high school students.

The charges against Hopson include racketeering conspiracy, including acts of murder, attempted murder, robbery, obstruction of justice, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and other charges. The crimes occurred between October 2007 and June 2009.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Norfolk, Virginia, Field Office. U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen accepted the verdict.

Michael Hopson, whose full name is Michael Hopson, will serve a life sentence in prison as a result of his conviction.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/newport-news-gangster-convicted-racketeering-and-murder-charges