Lynchburg, Va. – Kevon Lamont McDaniel, 19, was sentenced on October 23 after being found guilty of multiple drug and firearm charges related to a 2022 incident. McDaniel’s sentencing follows his involvement in the massive “Operation Shockwave” drug bust, which led to the arrests of 47 people in April 2024. The operation, which began in March 2023, resulted in the seizure of large amounts of drugs, including enough to kill over 200,000 people, and numerous firearms.
McDaniel was convicted in April 2024 during a bench trial on charges including possession of a Schedule I or II drug, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs. On October 23, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison, with 20 years and seven months suspended, leaving him with a total of six years and five months to serve behind bars.
The sentence was influenced by gang expert testimony, revealing McDaniel’s role as a high-ranking member of a criminal street gang. His criminal activity traces back to August 7, 2022, when Lynchburg officers responded to a shooting report on Fillmore Street. McDaniel, who had been shot, was found at the scene and offered little information about the incident. Officers later executed a search warrant at the residence and discovered drugs, including a bag of cocaine and 20 fentanyl pills packaged for sale, as well as a firearm.
The search of McDaniel’s phone and social media accounts uncovered evidence of drug distribution and videos showing him in possession of a firearm. The evidence was crucial in moving the case to adult court, where McDaniel was ultimately convicted. The sentencing is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes in Lynchburg.