Texas drug trafficker convicted in cocaine, fentanyl conspiracy

Press Release

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A federal jury convicted Kelsey Manning, 31, of Houston, yesterday on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine and fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Sept. 28, 2023, law enforcement investigators were performing surveillance at an apartment complex in Hampton to locate Manning for outstanding indictments on narcotics distribution offenses out of James City County. When Manning left an apartment and entered his vehicle, investigators took him into custody. At the time, Manning possessed around 7.9 grams of cocaine base, around 1.9 grams of fentanyl, and $5,303.

A K9 unit performed an exterior sweep of Manning's vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for narcotics. Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered a bag containing approximately a kilogram of cocaine, two boxes of baking soda, an aluminum pot, and a measuring cup with a whisk.

Manning also possessed a key fob to access the apartment building. The fob was registered to Ashley Manning. During a search of the apartment, Investigators recovered approximately $114,000, approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and approximately a kilogram of fentanyl.

Law enforcement also searched a residence where co-defendants Karon Jamar Harris, 44; Michael Dewalt; 33; and Traveon Parker, 32, all of Houston, were present. Within the residence investigators located distribution quantities of cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, drug-packaging materials, digital scales, over $30,000, and three firearms.

Manning faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and up to life in prison when sentenced on August 14.

On Feb. 6, Parker pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12 and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.

On Feb. 6, Harris pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12 and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.

On Feb. 13, Dewalt pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Dewalt is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12 and faces a mandatory minimum of five years to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed and up to life in prison.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Washington Division; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Col. Matt Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Jimmie Wideman, Chief of Hampton Police; and Mark Jamison, Chief of James City County Police Department, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the verdict.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson C. Yates, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General's Office, are prosecuting the case.

The Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force, Hampton Roads Peninsula Drug Initiative-Hampton Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Virginia State Police investigated this case. Assistance was provided by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force.

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. 4:23-cr-88.

Contact

Updated April 14, 2025