A Newport News man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking conspiracy based in Hampton Roads. Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, 33, was found guilty of several charges related to the operation, which used Lux Auto in Newport News as its headquarters.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Bumphus and his associates stored illegal drugs in vehicles parked throughout the business’s lot. Members of the organization were often armed. Between August 2020 and August 2023, law enforcement seized nearly $400,000 in drug proceeds and about 1,000 pounds of marijuana and contraband from major airports across the Mid-Atlantic region.
“Cortez Bumphus led a massive drug trafficking organization, armed himself, and operated from the organization’s base of operations,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The substantial sentence imposed today reflects Bumphus’ central role in the conspiracy and the sheer scope of the organization’s criminal conduct. This prosecution underscores our commitment to protecting Virginians and deterring violent and organized criminal activity.”
“This sentence removes a career criminal from our streets and reinforces the FBI’s commitment to protecting Hampton Roads,” said Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. “If you traffic drugs or use violence to protect your territory, we will find you, shut down your operation, and hold you fully accountable. Today’s result reflects the relentless work of the FBI Norfolk Safe Streets Peninsula Task Force, Virginia State Police, Newport News Police Department, and the Hampton Police Division.”
Authorities described how leaders like Bumphus worked with suppliers outside Virginia to purchase large amounts of marijuana. Couriers were sent by air to deliver money to these suppliers and bring back drugs for distribution within Virginia. The indictment charged thirty-seven defendants with various roles within this network.
On July 30th, Bumphus was convicted on charges including continuing a criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 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 activities; and using communication facilities for drug trafficking.
Alongside his prison term, Bumphus received a $6.4 million money judgment against him. The court also ordered forfeiture of more than $62,000 in cash along with designer shoes, accessories, and four firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt, Alyson C. Yates, and Luke Bresnahan prosecuted this case.
More information is available on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER by searching Case No. 4:23-cr-54.
