Career Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

RICHMOND, Va. – A Fredericksburg man was sentenced today to 16 1/2 years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to court documents, Marcellus White, 31, was under surveillance for suspicion of drug trafficking when, on April 13, 2017, law enforcement performed a traffic stop on his vehicle. During the traffic stop, a narcotic canine alerted to the odor of narcotics in the car, leading law enforcement to find White in possession of over $7,000 in cash. Subsequently, law enforcement learned that just prior to the traffic stop, White delivered six ounces of cocaine to a location in Woodbridge, and White admitted that the cash on his person were proceeds from narcotics sales. Law enforcement then performed a search of White’s home and found another $36,000 in cash, more than 600 grams of marijuana, and 500 grams of cocaine.

Due to White’s prior criminal convictions for trafficking cocaine, the sentencing court found him to be a “Career Offender” under the federal sentencing guidelines.

Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, and Roger L. Harris, Spotsylvania County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony prosecuted the case.

This case was investigated by the Fredericksburg FBI Narcotics Task Force, which includes DEA, FBI, Department of the Treasury, Virginia State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, and Fredericksburg Police Department.

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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:17-cr-147.