Fredericksburg Man Charged With Drug, Firearm Felonies After Search Warrant

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A Fredericksburg man is facing six felony charges after police executed a search warrant at a home in the city's Forest Village neighborhood as part of a narcotics investigation.

The Fredericksburg Police Department said its Narcotics Section investigated the suspected distribution of illegal drugs from a residence in the 300 block of Forest Village. Detectives, assisted by the department's Tactical Team, served a search warrant at the home on July 8.

Police arrested Damari Kamonte Peyton, of Fredericksburg, following the search.

According to the police department and Fredericksburg General District Court records, Peyton was charged with:

• Possession with intent to distribute more than 1 ounce but less than 5 pounds of marijuana, a Class 5 felony.
• Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, an unclassified felony.
• Two counts of possession or transportation of a firearm by a violent felon, Class 6 felonies.
• Displaying a firearm while selling or distributing a Schedule I or II controlled substance, a Class 6 felony.
• Displaying a firearm while selling more than 1 pound of marijuana, a Class 6 felony.

Court Records Show Defendant Held In Custody

Court records show Peyton was arrested July 8 and remains in custody. His arraignment on July 9 was continued, followed by a continued attorney review hearing on July 16. An additional attorney review hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 28 in Fredericksburg General District Court.

The most serious charge is possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance under Virginia Code § 18.2-248. The offense carries penalties that vary depending on the substance and quantity involved but can include lengthy prison sentences if convicted. Peyton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The court records also show Peyton has a separate pending misdemeanor charge of driving without a valid driver's license stemming from a July 2 traffic offense. That case is scheduled for an adjudicatory hearing on Aug. 28.

Police did not release additional details about evidence recovered during the search or the quantity of narcotics allegedly seized.

Also See ...

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• Fredericksburg Woman Indicted In Alleged Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy