NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Four men were indicted Wednesday morning for their involvement in a large-scale cocaine trafficking conspiracy, according to the Department of Justice.
When the men were arrested law enforcement officers seized about 119 pounds of cocaine and 100 bundles of shrink wrapped cash containing $5,000 to $10,000 each.
Marvin O’Neal Carter, Sr., 49, Michael Stephen Kuna, 42, Daniel Rodriguez, 49, and Hilario Rodriguez, 50, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Carter was also charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and maintaining a drug involved premises.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, Daniel and Hilario Rodriguez were charged with interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
According to court papers agents saw a tractor trailer arrive at a garage leased by Carter on October 20.
The trailer eventually off-loaded from it’s dock and was placed beside the garage.
Agents saw Kuna, and Daniel and Hilario Rodriguez arrive and park in Carter’s garage parking lot.
The four men then allegedly unloaded cocaine from hidden compartments underneath the trailer.
Kuna was then seen loading two large duffel bags into a vehicle before leaving the area. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Kuna and found the two duffel bags.
Officials found wet currency within the bags.
As Kuna was being detained members of the DEA, FBI, and Newport News Police executed federal search warrants on the garage and trailer.
The search turned up the cocaine and cash in $5,000 and $10,000 stacks.
Authorities also recovered a firearm, in addition to $42,000 in cash from a safe.
Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a max sentence of life in prison, if convicted.
