Norfolk Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy

NORFOLK, VA—Donald Peter Charles, 32, of Norfolk, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by United States Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller.

Charles was indicted by a federal grand jury on the above charges on October 12, 2012. He faces a maximum penalty of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years when he is sentenced on March 13, 2013.

According to the statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, Charles made arrangements to drive to New York to purchase a kilogram of cocaine for the purpose of breaking it down into smaller quantities for sale in Norfolk, Virginia. Charles was observed by FBI agents making the purchase of the cocaine in New York. As Charles was driving back to Virginia with the cocaine concealed in his trunk, he was pulled over by Virginia State Troopers on the Eastern Shore. The troopers found the kilogram of cocaine in Charles’ trunk, and Charles was then placed under arrest. A later search of Charles’ residence revealed packaging materials, scales, small quantities of cocaine, and four firearms.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William Muhr is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.