A Norfolk man, Eric Joseph McGinnis, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.
Court documents revealed that McGinnis, aged 44, had been supplying drugs since November 2022. On July 28, 2023, law enforcement conducted searches at his residence and business, EJM Enterprise, both located in Norfolk. The operation led to the seizure of 17 firearms, including two personally manufactured ones. Additionally, agents confiscated substantial quantities of illegal substances: 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms each of marijuana and cocaine hydrochloride, 1.5 kilograms of psilocyn, a half-kilogram mixture containing fentanyl with Xylazine or para-fluorofentanyl, along with various capsules and tablets such as Oxycodone.
As a felon previously convicted on other charges, McGinnis was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition legally.
Following the raids on his properties, McGinnis instructed his girlfriend to destroy or hide evidence crucial to the investigation.
The sentencing announcement was made by several officials: Jessica D. Aber from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Jarod Forget from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division; Kai Wah Chan from Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C.; Ramin Fatehi from Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney office; and Mark Talbot who is Chief of Norfolk Police.
The case prosecution was handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Comstock.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups across all levels to enhance public safety.
Additional details regarding this case can be found on the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia as well as through court documents available via PACER under Case No. 2:24-cr-72.