Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence
Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms While Possessing Schedule I/II Drugs Which Police Found Following Domestic Disturbance Call
NORFOLK, Va. — Brian Keith Brown, 55, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to possessing Schedule II drugs with the intent to distribute, simple possession of Schedule I and II drugs, and possessing firearms while possessing those drugs after a domestic dispute between Mr. Brown and his wife led to police finding the guns and drugs last year.
On the morning of Nov. 27, 2024, Mr. Brown’s wife called the police during a domestic dispute with Mr. Brown and reported him for having a weapon. When the police arrived at their house on Kennebeck Court, officers placed Mr. Brown under arrest and, with Mr. Brown’s wife’s permission, searched their truck for the firearm she said he had been holding. Inside the truck were two firearms, digital scales, and what subsequent forensic testing showed to have been more than 21 grams of methamphetamine (a Schedule II drug) and two pills containing MDMA (a Schedule I drug).
On Wednesday, Mr. Brown entered an agreement to plead guilty as charged to one count of possessing Schedule II drugs with the intent to distribute, two counts of simple possession of Schedule I and II drugs, and one count of possessing a firearm while possessing those drugs. Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. accepted Mr. Brown’s plea agreement and found him guilty. There was no agreement on the sentence Mr. Brown will receive, which will be determined by the judge following a review of Mr. Brown’s presentence report on Aug. 1.
“While most of today’s focus is on the dangers of fentanyl, methamphetamine remains a dangerous and addictive substance whose effects often lead to violent behavior,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Mr. Brown further increased the risks inherent in methamphetamine distribution by mixing that crime with the possession of guns. At sentencing the judge will have the discretion to determine, after hearing our arguments and those from Mr. Brown’s lawyer, what sentence will hold Mr. Brown appropriately accountable and will protect the community.”
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Abigail L. Ottinger is prosecuting Mr. Brown’s case, and Norfolk Police Detective Gary D. Winnie Jr. led the investigation.
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