Prince George man with prior convictions sentenced after officers uncover meth, fentanyl, and illegal gun
Richmond, Virginia – A 34-year-old man from Prince George has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison after authorities uncovered drugs, weapons, and other items tied to illegal activity following a late-night encounter with police. Earnest Thomas received a sentence of five years and 11 months for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The charges stem from an incident that unfolded on March 15, 2024, when officers with the Colonial Heights Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious individual. According to court records, the call described a man shining a flashlight into parked vehicles, raising concerns about possible theft or other criminal activity.
When officers arrived, they located Thomas and began speaking with him in an attempt to gather basic identifying information. However, the situation quickly escalated when Thomas suddenly fled the scene. Officers pursued him and were able to apprehend him after a brief chase. Once in custody, police confirmed his identity and discovered that he had multiple outstanding warrants from nearby jurisdictions, including Chesterfield, Petersburg, and Hopewell.
Drugs, weapon, and prior convictions uncovered
Following his arrest, investigators searched Thomas’ vehicle and uncovered a range of items that pointed to drug distribution activity. Authorities recovered 28.62 grams of methamphetamine that was determined to be 93.7% pure, along with two digital scales commonly used for measuring drugs. Officers also found two ski masks, raising further concerns about possible criminal intent.
In addition to the methamphetamine, investigators discovered a folded $5 bill containing 1.0685 grams of fentanyl, as well as a vial holding another 0.3957 grams of methamphetamine. A handgun was also recovered from the vehicle, a critical piece of evidence given Thomas’ criminal history.
Court documents revealed that Thomas had previously been convicted of several offenses, including possession of a controlled substance, possession of a concealed weapon, and domestic assault and battery. Because of these prior convictions, he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, making the discovery of the handgun a serious violation.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, which played a key role in building the federal case against Thomas. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland prosecuted the case in court.
Officials also noted that the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort aimed at using the full power of the Department of Justice to target illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent offenders.
