A federal jury in Newport News, Virginia, has convicted four individuals on charges related to a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy operating out of the Hampton Roads area. The convictions followed a 127-count superseding indictment.
The investigation began in June 2021 when federal authorities identified Lux Auto in Newport News as a hub for the group’s activities. The business was used to store illegal drugs in vehicles parked on the lot. Members of the organization were regularly armed with handguns and other weapons. Law enforcement efforts between August 2020 and August 2023 at major Mid-Atlantic airports resulted in the seizure of nearly $400,000 in drug proceeds and about 1,000 pounds of marijuana and contraband linked to the conspiracy.
Leaders of the group managed contacts with suppliers outside Virginia and coordinated large purchases of marijuana. They directed couriers to deliver money and transport drugs back into Virginia, then oversaw distribution through midlevel members and subordinate dealers.
Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, also known as Co, age 32, was found guilty on several counts including 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 during a drug-trafficking crime; maintaining premises for drug activity; and using communication facilities for drug trafficking.
Dilquon Best, known as Quon or DQ, age 33, was convicted on similar charges: continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; and use of communication facilities for drug trafficking.
Earvin Jerome Moore, known as Gooch, age 45, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; maintaining premises for drug activity; and use of communication facilities for drug trafficking.
Kamani Johnson, also known as Komma or Kazz, age 30, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana as well as interstate travel aiding racketeering.
Thirty-one additional defendants have previously entered guilty pleas in connection with this case.
Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia announced the verdict following its acceptance by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.
“Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt and Luke Bresnahan are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson C. Yates, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.”
Further details can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
