Norman Eugene Goins Jr., 31, of Charlottesville, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison following his conviction for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentencing marks the conclusion of what authorities describe as the largest-ever federal drug trafficking prosecution in the region.
Goins was convicted by a jury on August 27, 2025, of possession with intent to distribute more than 4,000 fentanyl pills, nearly one kilogram of fentanyl powder, and possession of three firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The case was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Assistant United States Attorney Rachel B. Swartz.
“This sentencing concludes a multi-jurisdictional, cooperative investigation and prosecution that landed more than 15 defendants in federal prison for more than 186 years collectively,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “This prosecution took thousands of fentanyl pills out of the Western District of Virginia, any one of which could have resulted in a fatal overdose. Fentanyl is a uniquely pernicious and lethal toxin, so deadly that just one pill can kill. I am grateful to our local, state, and federal partners for their dedication to this case. Fentanyl has killed thousands of Virginians and hundreds of thousands of Americans and this office will continue to attach the highest priority to combatting those who traffic fentanyl and use firearms to protect their deadly trade.”
Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge at the DEA Washington Division, commented: “The DEA, and all our dedicated law enforcement partners are using every tool and resource available to investigate and prosecute dangerous narcotics distributors. Our mission to save and protect lives is clear. Prominent drug traffickers like Mr. Goins and his organization destroy families throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond by selling deadly illicit drugs, such as counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. This sentencing is the result of our collective efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and defend American citizens.”
Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, stated: “This conviction and sentencing shows what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together to target dangerous criminals. Lives were saved because together we were able to get large amounts of fentanyl off of the streets.”
Colonel Sean Reeves, Albemarle County Chief of Police added: “This investigation and prosecution demonstrate what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal partners work together to hold those individuals who harm our community accountable for their actions.”
At trial, Goins was identified as leading a conspiracy distributing significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Charlottesville from February 2023 through February 2024. Evidence presented included a search at Goins’ residence that uncovered a safe with a brick of fentanyl and 4,000 pills containing fentanyl; authorities also found at least ten firearms on site—including a loaded gun among his baby’s clothes—despite Goins being legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
Goins’ sentence follows convictions against other members involved in the conspiracy who received sentences ranging from over 15 years down to just over two years.
Multiple agencies participated in investigating the case including Virginia State Police’s Regional Drug & Gang Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration; Albemarle County Police Department; Department of Homeland Security (HSI); City of Charlottesville Police Department; several county sheriff’s offices; Henrico County Police Department; U.S. Marshals Service; as well as support from local prosecutors’ offices and emergency services.
Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci led the prosecution team alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Swartz and retired Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber.
