FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2024
Drug Trafficking Organization Shut Down
Lynchburg, VA – In early 2024, the Lynchburg Police Department’s Special Investigations Division (SID) began investigating a poly-drug distributor operating in the greater Lynchburg region. On July 12-13, 2024, SID surveilled the target as he traveled out of state and back into Virginia. The target was identified as John Morris Coleman III of Lynchburg. SID partnered with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, which assisted with an interdiction stop on Coleman.
As a result of the stop, a semi-automatic pistol, approximately $9,300 in cash, and about 23 pounds of marijuana were seized. Coleman was charged with Possession With Intent to Distribute (PWID) Marijuana and Possession of a Firearm while in possession of at least 1 pound of marijuana. He was subsequently released on bond for these charges.
On September 30, 2024, SID once again partnered with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA to interdict Coleman on his way back out of state after re-entering Virginia. As a result of that stop, approximately 25 pounds of marijuana were seized. Coleman was again charged with PWID Marijuana and was held without bond this time.
SID then executed a search warrant at 412 Grayson Street (Coleman’s residence) with the assistance of the LPD Tactical Unit, Drone Unit, CNT, Forensics Unit, and FOB.
As a result of the search warrant, the following items were seized from the residence:
Approximately 100 pounds of marijuana
Approximately 75 pounds of THC edibles
Approximately 1,000 pressed fentanyl pills
$44,517 in U.S. currency
Approximately 3 pounds of powder cocaine
Approximately 1/4 ounce of suspected powder fentanyl
Approximately 3.5 grams of crack cocaine
A .357 revolver
Approximately 100 miscellaneous pills (to be analyzed)
The street value of the illegal narcotics seized totaled more than a quarter of a million dollars. Numerous additional charges are pending, including drug trafficking charges and further firearm-related charges.
This was a fantastic multi-agency effort. LPD would like to thank the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office and Bedford County Sheriff’s Office for their roles in this investigation.



