NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Ryan Fultz, 33, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to a total of 30 years in prison following his convictions for possessing and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Dana J. Boente, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Charles E. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; and Terry L. Sult Hampton Police Chief, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Henry C. Morgan, Jr.

Fultz was indicted on March 13, 2013, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine; possession, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm. On February 7, 2014, a jury convicted him on all charges following a four-day jury trial.

According to court records and evidence at trial, on December 27, 2011, Fultz was present during a planned drug deal in the Walmart parking lot located at Cunningham Drive, Hampton, Virginia. Fultz provided back-up to a drug dealer and when a dispute arose, he participated in a shootout with two other individuals. Fultz discharged a Bushmaster AR-15 high-powered rifle during the shooting in which more than 30 shots were exchanged as evidenced by shell casings recovered at the scene. Fultz is the third participant federally prosecuted as a result of this incident.

This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Hampton Police Division, and ATF’s Washington Field Division. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy R. Murphy prosecuted 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.