Norman Eugene Goins Jr., 31, of Charlottesville, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute more than 4,000 fentanyl pills, nearly a kilogram of fentanyl powder, and possession of three firearms in connection with drug trafficking. The verdict was delivered on August 27, 2025, after a multi-week trial prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Assistant United States Attorney Rachel B. Swartz.
Goins was identified during the trial as the leader of a drug conspiracy that operated in the Charlottesville area from February 2023 through February 2024. The group distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and other drugs for profit.
A search at Goins’ residence led investigators to a safe containing a brick of fentanyl and thousands of pills. Authorities also found at least ten firearms at the property; one loaded gun was discovered among baby clothes. As a convicted felon, Goins is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci commented on the sentencing: “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. 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.”
DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Goumenis said: “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,” he said. “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,” adding that lives were saved because large amounts of fentanyl were removed from circulation.
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.”
The case known as Operation Rock Bottom involved cooperation between several agencies including the Virginia State Police’s Regional Drug Task Force; Drug Enforcement Administration; Albemarle County Police Department; Department of Homeland Security-HSI; police departments from Charlottesville City; sheriff’s offices from Greene County, Nelson County, Fluvanna County; Henrico County Police Department; United States Marshal’s Service; Commonwealth’s Attorneys Offices for Charlottesville City/Albemarle County; Charlottesville Emergency Services; Virginia National Guard.
Other individuals previously convicted as part of this conspiracy received sentences ranging from over fifteen years down to just over two years in federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Robert N. Tracci along with Assistant U.S Attorneys Rachel Swartz and retired Ronald Huber.
