Federal Jury Convicts Virginia Beach Man for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession
NORFOLK, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Virginia Beach man yesterday on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jerod Askew, 32, was involved in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in the Hampton Roads area. His source of supply was located in Baltimore, Maryland, and he would rent vehicles to make frequent trips to Maryland to re-up his supply of drugs. He sent numerous text messages to his co-conspirators in the Hampton Roads area letting them know he had a supply of illegal narcotics for sale. A search warrant at his residence revealed approximately nine ounces of heroin, approximately two ounces cocaine, approximately one ounce of crack cocaine, marijuana, six loaded firearms and drug distribution paraphernalia. A search of his storage unit revealed over four pounds of marijuana, a loaded firearm, drug distribution paraphernalia, a kilo press, and empty kilo wrappers that once contained cocaine.
Askew faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum life in prison when sentenced on March 17, 2023. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Muhr and Matthew Heck are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-8.
