Michael Pankey Convicted in Virginia Drug Haul

RICHMOND, Va. — A 29-year-old Brooklyn man was found guilty late yesterday of moving a heavy load of cocaine and heroin through rural Virginia. Michael Pankey now faces up to 20 years behind bars after a federal jury convicted him on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and heroin.

The bust came after Virginia State Police pulled Pankey over in Mecklenburg County for speeding. He was the only person in a car rented 12 days earlier in North Carolina — a detail that raised immediate red flags. A search conducted on probable cause turned up 598 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and 54 grams of heroin stashed in Pankey’s personal bag.

Court records reveal Pankey admitted he was transporting the narcotics from New York to deliver to an individual in South Carolina. The quantity and packaging suggested distribution, not personal use, prosecutors argued during trial. The conviction underscores the continued use of interstate highways as conduits for major drug operations.

Pankey faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 9, 2017. While the statutory maximum is set by Congress, actual sentencing will be determined by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne, guided by federal Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.

The investigation was led by the Virginia State Police, with critical support from Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Authorities say coordination between state and federal agencies was key in intercepting the shipment before it reached its destination.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Clark E. Settles, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Washington; and Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Washington Field Division, announced the verdict following the court’s acceptance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case. Court documents are available under Case No. 3:16-cr-179 via PACER or the Eastern District of Virginia’s public docket.