Recidivist offender sentenced to 20 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking

RICHMOND, Va. - A Richmond man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, on Oct. 26, 2023, law enforcement searched the residence of Christopher Raymond Coleman, 38. Upon entering the residence, an officer located Coleman in the kitchen next to a table with numerous packages of illegal narcotics and items related to drug trafficking. Agents recovered over 670 grams of fentanyl, over 129 grams of cocaine powder, approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, a box of plastic baggies, scissors, and a digital scale. Agents also recovered a handgun, ammunition, and two ammunition magazines.

Coleman has been convicted previously of possession of oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm with drugs, and on another occasion with possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm with drugs. After Coleman was released from custody on Aug. 29, 2022, he began distributing illegal controlled substances in July 2023 and continued into October 2023. Additionally, Coleman was charged on Sept. 6, 2023, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Washington Division, and Chief Rick Edwards, of the Richmond Police Department made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia L. Norman and Katherine E. Groover prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District CourtLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-138.