When people think of the FBI, they often envision national headlines and distant investigations. But our work in Norfolk is deeply local. In 2025, that work translated into tangible safety and security for the families of Hampton Roads.
This year, FBI Norfolk focused on a singular mission: protecting our communities and safeguarding the assets that matter most to our nation. We dismantled criminal networks and defended one of the world’s most strategically important military regions.
Even during challenges such as the federal government shutdown, our mission never wavered. Our agents and professional staff reported to duty every day because public safety does not get furloughed. That dedication yielded historic results: In 2025, FBI Norfolk doubled its total number of arrests compared to 2024.
Violent crime does not recede on its own; it requires constant pressure and seamless coordination. Throughout 2025, we targeted repeat offenders, firearms trafficking and the narcotics trade that fuels instability in our neighborhoods.
These efforts led to significant sentences that removed dangerous individuals from our streets. In December, Cortez Bumphus, the leader of a major regional drug conspiracy, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. Earlier in the year, three Newport News men — Ronzel Dixie, Kwaimain Redmon and Meko Brown Jr. — were sentenced to life in prison for a violent crime spree involving five murders and six armed robberies.
We also intervened before tragedy could strike. In December, Brad Spafford was sentenced to eight years in prison after agents discovered 155 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on his property — the largest supply of finished explosives ever seized in FBI history. These federal outcomes matter because they offer long-term incapacitation, ensuring that those who cause extraordinary harm do not return to the streets.
These outcomes send a clear message — violent crime brings real consequences, and that deterrence makes our communities safer.
A rigorous investigation by FBI Norfolk culminated this October in a 151-month sentence for Eduardo Rodriguez, the mastermind behind a prolific nationwide gas pump skimming operation. This sophisticated enterprise deployed custom devices across the country, stealing data from 36,000 victims and causing $18 million in losses. With 15 convictions secured, the case serves as a definitive warning: neither distance nor technology can shield modern financial predators from justice.
Protecting children is a responsibility we hold sacred. This year, the Norfolk Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force saw a massive surge in cyber tips — rising from 344 in 2024 to 742 in 2025.
Every tip matters. In November, Douglas Phistner was sentenced to 72 months in prison for receiving child sexual abuse material in a case that began with a cyber tip. When you report, we respond.
Hampton Roads is more than our home; it is an essential pillar of American military power. We host the world’s largest concentration of military installations, shipyards and shipbuilding.
This makes our region a primary target for foreign adversaries. FBI Norfolk’s counterintelligence and counterterrorism missions serve as the silent shield protecting U.S. military readiness and shipbuilding capabilities. Safeguarding our bases, ports and personnel remains our highest priority.
None of this work happens alone. Our success is built on strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement and prosecutors across the region.
That collaboration is visible not only in major cases, but also in community-facing efforts. This summer, FBI Norfolk proudly worked alongside our partners to help ensure the safety of the 100th Anniversary Chincoteague Pony Swim — a historic event drawing thousands of visitors. Public safety during large-scale events requires coordination, planning and trust, and it reflects the same teamwork that drives our investigative success.
As we look forward, the threats facing our communities and our nation continue to evolve. So does our commitment to meet them.
The FBI is recruiting special agents — professionals driven by purpose, integrity and a commitment to protecting our communities and our nation. Being a special agent is more than a job; it’s a calling. Every case matters, and every agent plays a role in making a real, lasting impact. If you’re motivated by challenge, inspired by mission and ready to serve something greater than yourself, we encourage you to explore a career with the FBI.
Thank you to our local, state and federal partners for their continued support, teamwork and collaboration. When agencies share intelligence, resources and responsibility, criminals lose options — and communities are safer.
In 2025, FBI Norfolk delivered results. And we remain committed to doing so — every day — for Hampton Roads and for the nation we serve.
Dominique Evans is the special agent in charge of FBI Norfolk.
