Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced yesterday to 19 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Eric Joseph McGinnis, 44, had been supplying controlled substances to a co-conspirator since November 2022. On July 28, 2023, law enforcement searched McGinnis’ residence and business, EJM Enterprise, both in Norfolk. Agents seized 17 firearms, including two personally manufactured firearms. Agents also recovered 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of marijuana, 1.5 kilograms of psilocyn, 1.2 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, a half-kilogram of fentanyl mixed with Xylazine and/or para-fluorofentanyl, and hundreds of capsules and tablets of different types of controlled substances, including Oxycodone.
As a previously convicted felon, McGinnis cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
After the searches at his business and residence, McGinnis directed his girlfriend to destroy or conceal evidence that was material to the investigation.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Kai Wah Chan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Comstock prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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. 2:24-cr-72.