Man pleads guilty in cocaine conspiracy

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A Norfolk man pleaded guilty in court Monday for conspiring to sell cocaine and could face up to life in prison.

According to the Commonwealth's Attorney, 32-year-old Donald Peter Charles pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Charles was observed purchasing cocaine in New York and according to the Commonwealth's Attorney, he was on his was back to Norfolk to break up the cocaine and sell it when he was pulled over and arrested by State Police.

Troopers found one kilogram of cocaine in his car and later found packaging materials, scales, small quantities of cocaine and firearms at his home.

Charles was indicted by a grand jury Oct. 12 and could face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for his crime when he is sentenced in March.