NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) -- A 39-year-old man was convicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, obstruction of justice, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy, and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, in addition to other charges, Monday.
Michael Hopson, also known as "Hop" and "Big Homie," was the leader and founding member of the P-Stones gang. The gang is often referred to as the P-Stone Bloods and Cobra Stones.
The gang is from the Denbigh area, and is known for engaging in violent crimes, such as murder and illegal drug trafficking.
According to evidence, Hopson was the leader, and participated in recruiting new members, including minors. He also collected monthly gang dues, carried out, and ordered violations, ordered and presided over meetings, and organized other firearm and marijuana distribution.
Hopson was also employed as a security guard at Denbigh High School. While in that position he recruited minors to the Black P-Stones and sold other high school students narcotics.
Other evidence presented during the trial shows that Hopson personally ordered multiple shootings and murders between October 2007 and June 2009.
In 2007, a 17-year-old member of the P-Stone gang was killed on Hopson's orders. The other member who carried out this murder was rewarded with a promotion within the gang.
In 2008, Hopson authorized the murder of a rival gang member, J.W., who has been disrespectful. Other gang member shot multiple rounds J.W.'s home. J.W.'s father was sitting inside that home, he was injured when debris hit his eye.
Hopson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. He will be sentenced on March 3. 2017.
