Norfolk man convicted on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges

NORFOLK, Va. - A federal jury convicted a Norfolk man yesterday on charges of using a drug involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Dec. 18, 2025, law enforcement searched the Norfolk residence of James Edward Sweat, 40. Agents located two firearms, including a shotgun and a handgun, and six ammunition magazines, including a 100-round drum magazine. Agents also found three separate kits to manufacture drugs, 14.3 grams of crack cocaine, fentanyl packaged for sale, and nine types of ammunition.

Sweat was previously convicted of abduction, two counts of robbery, and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. As a convicted felon, Sweat cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Sweat faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison when sentenced on July 14. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated this case with assistance from the Chesapeake Police Department and Norfolk Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. DePadilla and Megan M. Montoya are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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 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. 2:26-cr-5.