Outlaw sentenced as career offender for federal drug and firearms charges

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A Newport News man was sentenced today to 17 years and six months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, on Aug. 29, 2019, at a Best Western hotel in Newport News, law enforcement located and detained Jermaine Damon Outlaw, 39, who had multiple outstanding felony warrants for his arrest. Outlaw was in possession of 1.36 grams of cocaine, $855, and a loaded illegal handgun. Outlaw's cellphone was also recovered. On the phone were several text conversations confirming Outlaw's regular distribution of cocaine and other illicit substances.

Outlaw is a career offender with at least 20 previous convictions for, among other crimes, assault and battery, possession of a firearm on school property, carrying a concealed weapon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, unlawful wounding, destruction of property, malicious wounding, and assault and battery of a family member.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf 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. 4:19-cr-91.