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NORFOLK, VA – James Edward Sweat, 40, is looking at a long stretch behind bars after a federal jury found him guilty yesterday of running a drug operation out of his Norfolk home and illegally packing firearms. The bust went down December 18, 2025, and revealed a chilling stockpile of contraband.
Federal agents searching Sweat’s residence found two guns – a shotgun and a handgun – alongside six magazines, including a high-capacity 100-round drum. They also seized three complete kits for cooking up drugs, 14.3 grams of crack cocaine, fentanyl already packaged for street sales, and a variety of ammunition.
This isn’t Sweat’s first rodeo with the law. Court records show he’s previously been convicted of abduction, two counts of robbery, and twice for using a firearm while committing a felony. That prior record made possessing any firearms or ammo a federal offense.
Sweat is facing a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, but could get life. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14 before a federal judge who will consider sentencing guidelines.
The ATF’s Washington Field Division led the investigation, with backup from the Chesapeake and Norfolk Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. DePadilla and Megan M. Montoya are handling the prosecution.
The feds are framing this bust as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a broad initiative targeting cartels and violent crime.
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