Man sentenced for narcotics, firearms

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A Norfolk man was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base, and possession of firearms during and in relation to a narcotics trafficking offense.

Thaddeus Jones, 31, previously pleaded guilty to these charges on September 15, 2010, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release.

According to court documents, on July 16, 2009, Jones sold 54.5 grams of cocaine base to someone in exchange for $2,000 in cash at the Janaf Shopping Center in Norfolk.

On two subsequent occasions on August 12, 2009 and December 16, 2009, Jones made additional sales of cocaine base to individuals in exchange for cash.

Based on these narcotics transactions, Norfolk DEA agents obtained an arrest warrant for Jones. Jones was arrested in April 2010 outside an apartment where he was staying in Virginia Beach.

Agents recovered additional amounts of cocaine powder and cocaine base, drug paraphernalia, $2,750 in cash, and three semi-automatic pistols, two with loaded magazines.