Richmond Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years

Montrio Santos Neville, a 'career offender,' was found with meth and a firearm after his release from prison.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single methamphetamine tablet against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the gritty reality of drug crime.A recent wave of drug trafficking and gun crimes in Richmond's Gilpin Court neighborhood exposes the ongoing challenge of repeat offenders.Richmond Today

A 40-year-old Richmond man named Montrio Santos Neville has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Neville was arrested in October 2024 after officers found him with meth, numerous meth tablets, and a firearm, just three months after his release from prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of repeat offenders and the cycle of drug trafficking and gun crimes in Richmond's Gilpin Court neighborhood, which has long struggled with high rates of violent crime and drug activity. Neville's lengthy criminal history as a 'career offender' raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in breaking this cycle.

The details

According to court documents, Neville was with another person wanted out of Chesterfield County when officers detained them in Richmond's Gilpin Court. During the search, police found Neville in possession of a firearm, 6.8750 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine powder, and numerous tablets containing methamphetamine. Neville had been released from prison just three months prior to this arrest, and his previous crimes include a malicious wounding incident, forgery of a public record, and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

  • Neville was arrested on October 9, 2024.
  • Neville had been released from prison just three months prior to his arrest.

The players

Montrio Santos Neville

A 40-year-old Richmond man who was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Neville has a lengthy criminal history as a 'career offender' and was arrested just three months after his release from prison.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of repeat offenders and the cycle of drug trafficking and gun crimes in Richmond's Gilpin Court neighborhood, which has long struggled with high rates of violent crime and drug activity. Neville's lengthy criminal history as a 'career offender' raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in breaking this cycle and preventing such individuals from reoffending.