NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Author's note: The video above is on file from a national story that aired on August 25, 2021.
A man from Gloucester was convicted on drug trafficking and firearm charges in the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on Monday.
Court records show that Eric Lee Smith, 40, was part of a methamphetamine trafficking scheme in Gloucester and the surrounding area from 2009 through 2020.
With the help of other conspirators, Smith brought large amounts of the drug from Arizona to Virginia. He stored it in multiple places and sold it.
Smith also had an illegal machine gun and unregistered silencer that he used on November 25, 2020, to shoot someone.
He's been convicted of the following charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Using and maintaining drug premises
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Illegal possession of a machine gun
- Possession of an unregistered firearm
Smith's sentencing is set for August 8, 2022. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.