A Chesapeake resident, Kevin Russell Beasley, 51, has been sentenced to six years and four months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 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 of the package to an address in Portsmouth, where Beasley retrieved it before being taken into custody. During a subsequent search of his residence, investigators found about 14 kilograms of marijuana, more than 84 grams of cocaine, nearly 787 grams of psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocyn/psilocybin, over 180 THC vape pen cartridges, marijuana wax, sandwich bags, a bill-money counting machine, approximately $35,000 in cash, two cellphones and a loaded firearm.
Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), stated: “Illegal narcotics and firearms are a dangerous combination that fuels violence and puts entire communities at risk. 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 (HSI), Washington D.C., commented: “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 of Virginia State Police said: “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 previous convictions related to using mail services for drug distribution dating back to 2016 when he was arrested by Chesapeake Police after accepting marijuana through controlled deliveries at his residence. He was previously convicted on charges including distribution or possession with intent to distribute marijuana as well as obstructing justice.
The Virginia Beach Police Department contributed significantly during this investigation.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating violent crime by leveraging resources from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Additional information about this case can be found on the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER by searching Case No. 2:25-cr-95.
