Preliminary hearing for suspect in New Kent’s largest marijuana bust postponed a second time
Danny Ray Norwood
A preliminary hearing for the New Kent man at the center of the largest marijuana bust in county history has again been postponed. But the prosecutor in the case says the latest delay is to allow more time for federal authorities to consider taking over the case.
Danny Ray Norwood had been scheduled for preliminary hearing today (Tuesday) in New Kent General District Court on one count each of manufacturing marijuana, possession of marijuana (more than five pounds) with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm while in possession of marijuana. That hearing is now set for June 9, assuming federal authorities do not intervene.
“Hopefully by that time, we’ll know where the case is going. It could be back here,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory.
Norwood, 54, was arrested last Dec. 15 when Twin Rivers Narcotics Task Force personnel raided his home in the 1400 block of South Waterside Drive in Lanexa. More than 500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were discovered behind false walls and doorways in the 2,800 square-foot home’s basement.
“As far as the number of plants and the quality of the grow, I’d say it’s our biggest marijuana bust by far,” Sheriff F.W. “Wakie” Howard Jr. said on the day of the raid.
Authorities uncovered a sophisticated operation, seizing an elaborate hydroponics system along with lights, timers, and other equipment and materials used to grow the drug. The firearms charge, meanwhile, stems from several rifles found in an upstairs gun case.
On the day of the raid, New Kent Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin said Norwood “had been on our detectives’ radar for about two years.”
Norwood posted bail shortly after his arrest. He has remained free on bond ever since.
Today’s action marks the second time court proceedings involving the suspect have been postponed. A preliminary hearing originally set for Feb. 10 was continued until today due to a delay by the state’s crime lab in issuing a chemical analysis of the seized marijuana.
Should federal authorities take over, the three felony charges lodged in New Kent would be dropped. But if the case remains in the county’s judicial system and a preliminary hearing occurs, a district court judge would determine if the charges are to be certified to a circuit court grand jury.
The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to return indictments. If indictments are handed up to a circuit court judge, the case then proceeds to trial. With the hearing now set for June 9, the earliest the case could come before a grand jury is July.