A Chesapeake man has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing follows an investigation that began when law enforcement intercepted a parcel shipped from California containing over three kilograms of cocaine on November 1, 2024. Authorities conducted a controlled delivery to an address in Portsmouth, where Kevin Russell Beasley, 51, retrieved the package and was immediately arrested.
During a search of Beasley’s home, investigators found about 14 kilograms of marijuana, over 84 grams of cocaine, nearly 787 grams of psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocyn/psilocybin, more than 180 THC vape pen cartridges, approximately 86 grams of marijuana wax, sandwich bags, a money counting machine, around $35,000 in cash, two cellphones, and a loaded firearm.
“Illegal narcotics and firearms are a dangerous combination that fuels violence and puts entire communities at risk,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Removing drugs and weapons from our streets saves lives and makes communities safer. EDVA will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute narcotics trafficking and firearms crimes.”
Christopher Heck, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Washington D.C., stated: “Drug dealers who use our commercial delivery systems to funnel poison into our cities will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice. This case reflects Homeland Security Investigations’ core mission to dismantle criminal organizations, protect public safety, and safeguard our communities. Through proactive enforcement and strong law enforcement partnerships, our agents intercepted a major narcotics shipment, seized illegal drugs and cash, and removed a dangerous felon from the streets. HSI Washington D.C. remains fully committed to the relentless pursuit of criminal networks and ensuring those who traffic drugs and threaten the safety of Americans face the full extent of the law.”
Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police added: “Virginia State Police is proud to work with our federal and local partners to take dangerous drugs and drug traffickers off of Virginia’s streets. The safety of the public is our top priority, and we are grateful for the combined efforts that went into securing this conviction.”
Beasley has prior convictions related to drug distribution activities using mail services. In 2016 he was arrested by Chesapeake Police after picking up a parcel containing marijuana during another controlled delivery; authorities then recovered two firearms and additional marijuana from his residence in Portsmouth at that time. He was convicted for distribution or possession with intent to distribute marijuana as well as obstructing justice.
The Virginia Beach Police Department played an important role assisting with this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted Beasley’s case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—an initiative that uses Department of Justice resources nationwide to address violent crime by coordinating efforts through Project Safe Neighborhoods.
More information can be found on the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or by searching Case No. 2:25-cr-95 on PACER or on the District Court’s website.
