Chesterfield large-scale drug trafficker sentenced to 15 years in prison

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Chesterfield County man found to have led a large-scale drug tracking ring in the Richmond and Petersburg areas was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday.

According to the Eastern Division of Virginia’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, 55-year-old Curtis James Dickerson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Court documents state that Dickerson headed a large-scale drug trafficking organization that distributed 40 kilograms of heroin, 40 kilograms of fentanyl and 10 kilograms of cocaine between 2020 and 2022. He also maintained premises on which drugs were packaged and distributed.

The investigation into this organization began in 2020, with law enforcement conducting controlled purchases of the three drugs from conspirators with the organization. According to the office, these individuals were all charged with trafficking narcotics.

The conspirators reportedly identified Dickerson as their supplier.

According to the office, in Sept. 2022, one of Dickerson’s residences was searched. In that residence, law enforcement found distribution-level quantities of fentanyl and heroin, as well as equipment and supplies connected to drug trafficking, including:

• Industrial mixers with cocaine residue on them
• Respirators used when packaging fentanyl
• Hydraulic press used to repackage narcotics
• Gloves with fentanyl residue
• Digital scales and money counters

They also found seven cellphones, a satellite phone, jewelry and multiple high-end vehicles. In addition to these drug-related items recovered by police, firearms and ammunition were reportedly found in Dickerson’s bedroom.

According to the office, law enforcement found a safe hidden inside of one of Dickerson’s bedroom walls. From inside it, they retrieved a .223 caliber semiautomatic handgun, two 30-round magazines, a 45-round magazine and “assorted ammunition.”

As a felon, Dickerson is not legally allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition. Dickerson reportedly had two previous drug trafficking convictions, including a prior federal-level conviction for distributing cocaine.

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