A Virginia man was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison for his involvement in cocaine distribution and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Demario Avanti Henderson, 39, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. According to court documents, the sentencing stems from incidents that occurred in early 2024.
On January 16, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Henderson. Days later, on January 24, 2024, agents arranged another controlled transaction where Henderson sold both cocaine and fentanyl.
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During this second transaction, Henderson was observed openly carrying a handgun. Following the completion of the sale, agents arrested Henderson and recovered the loaded firearm.
Henderson has an extensive criminal history, with 17 prior convictions. These offenses include larceny, eluding police causing endangerment, assault and battery of a family member, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and assault on law enforcement.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division made the announcement of the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
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