Repeat offender from Hampton receives 26-year sentence for his role in large-scale drug operation and illegal firearms possession
Hampton, Virginia – A 44-year-old Hampton man, Lemoyne Williams, was sentenced to 26 years and 10 months in federal prison for his involvement in drug trafficking and possession of firearms in furtherance of his crimes. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen, marks the culmination of a years-long investigation into Williams’ extensive drug operation and illegal possession of weapons.
A Long Trail of Criminal Activity
Court documents revealed that Williams conspired with others to manufacture, distribute, and possess substantial quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine from June 2018 to his arrest on October 14, 2022. His activities came to light after a controlled purchase of narcotics by the Newport News Police Department.
Following the controlled buy, police executed a search warrant on Williams’ apartment and vehicles on October 30, 2019. Despite knocking for several minutes, officers had to forcibly enter the residence. Inside, they found Williams with his intimate partner and two children, aged three and twelve. The search uncovered nearly 50 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 45 grams of cocaine, other controlled substances, a pill press, digital scales, 10 cellphones, almost $3,000 in cash, and a stolen handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition hidden in a bathroom floor vent.
Subsequent Arrest and Additional Evidence
A federal grand jury indicted Williams on August 10, 2022, based on his activities from 2019. When officers attempted to arrest him in October 2022, Williams failed to comply with their instructions. Agents breached his door and observed narcotics and drug-processing materials in plain view. After obtaining a search warrant, they recovered nearly 45 grams of methamphetamine, two grams of crack cocaine, and five grams each of fentanyl and cocaine powder. They also seized processing materials, three cellphones, and five loaded firearms.
A History of Criminal Behavior
Williams’ criminal record dates back to at least 1999, when he was convicted of manslaughter. In 2000, he faced additional charges for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, wearing body armor, and driving a stolen vehicle while awaiting trial. At the time of his latest offenses, Williams was under court supervision for a prior drug trafficking conviction.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, emphasized the significance of the case in addressing drug trafficking and firearms offenses. She was joined by Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division; Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police; and Jimmie Wideman, Chief of Hampton Police, in announcing the sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Podlesni prosecuted the case, which highlights the collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies in combating drug-related crimes.
