RICHMOND, Va. - A Richmond man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute para-fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, and cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms.

According to court documents, from January 2021 to May 2021, Richmond Police (RPD) detectives observed Tycota Rich Slater, 37, engaged in what appeared to be drug trafficking activities and made two controlled purchases of narcotics from Slater.

On Aug. 31, 2021, detectives searched Slater's residence in Chesterfield County. Detectives recovered two firearms, ammunition, and 743 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, as well as a press, a scale, and other items used for packaging illegal narcotics for distribution. In Slater's car, which was parked at the residence, agents recovered a firearm with an extended magazine along with federal court paperwork and $9,700 in drug-trafficking proceeds.

On Oct. 26, 2023, RPD narcotics detectives with the assistance of agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, searched Slater's residence in Richmond. The detectives and agents recovered a firearm, two press machines, three cellphones, and $71,144 in drug-trafficking proceeds, as well as a money counting machine, a vacuum sealer and bags, digital scales, and ammunition. Two of Slater's vehicles were also searched, leading to the recovery of 500 grams of fentanyl, three kilograms of cocaine, and two more firearms.

Detectives searched Slater's storage unit in Henrico County and recovered additional cocaine and four more firearms.

Slater was convicted previously of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, domestic violence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and other crimes. As a convicted felon, Slater cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Washington Division; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General's Office, prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-162.