NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – A federal judge convicted four people Wednesday in a 127-count superseding indictment in relation to a Hampton Roads-based drug trafficking conspiracy.
The investigation into the trafficking goes back to June 2021. The U.S. Attorney said the suspects used the Lux Auto in Newport News as a base for their operations. Members of the organization stored illegal drugs in vehicles at the auto shop and were seen armed with handguns.
Between August 2020 and August 2023, law enforcement seized almost $400,000 in drug proceeds and 1,000 pounds of marijuana and contraband relating to the conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney.
According to the U.S. Attorney members in the organization had different roles, but leaders enagaged with sources outside of the commonwealth for the purchase of marijuana.
In addition, leaders instructed other members of the organization to arrange for couriers to fly to the sources of supply, deliver money to them, and return to Virginia with the marijuana for distribution.
Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, aka Co, 32, was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; being a felon in possession of a firearm; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Dilquon Best, aka Quon or DQ, 33, was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Earvin Jerome Moore, aka Gooch, 45, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Kamani Johnson, aka Komma or Kazz, 30, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Thirty-one other defendants pleaded guilty previously.