Fredericksburg Man Was Making Drugs When SWAT Executed Search Warrant, Police Say

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A Fredericksburg man faces five felony charges after police said they found him actively manufacturing illegal narcotics while executing a search warrant at his home.

The Fredericksburg Police Department said its Narcotics Section concluded a months-long drug distribution investigation in July that culminated in a July 30 search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Myrick Street.

Officers with the department's Special Equipment and Tactical Team assisted with serving the warrant. Police said officers found Ernesto Andres Courtney, 52, actively engaged in manufacturing illegal narcotics when they entered the home.

Five Felony Charges Filed

Courtney was arrested and charged with possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon, and possession of a firearm while possessing a Schedule I or II controlled substance, according to police and Fredericksburg General District Court records.

Court records show all five felony cases were filed Friday following Courtney's arrest the day before. The records indicate Courtney remains in custody, with arraignment continued on Monday and preliminary hearings scheduled for Oct. 29 in Fredericksburg General District Court.

Also See ...

• Fredericksburg Man Accused Of Running From Stafford Deputy After Warrant Arrest
• Stafford Man Accused Of Wearing Ski Mask, Carrying Concealed Blade After McDonald's Threat Report
• Former Stafford Sheriff's Sergeant Arrested On Federal Child Exploitation Charge

Police said Courtney was transported to the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The Fredericksburg Police Department thanked community members who provided information about suspected illegal drug activity and recognized the work of the department's Narcotics Section detectives and supporting personnel.

As in all criminal cases, the charges against Courtney are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.