Skip to content 
Matthew Taylor Morris, a former attorney from Virginia Beach, has found himself at the center of a federal criminal investigation that has resulted in severe charges, marking a stunning fall from grace for a once-respected legal professional. Morris, who previously served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, is facing federal charges related to his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy.
Morris played an active role in the conspiracy, far beyond mere passive participation. He used both his legal expertise and his law office to directly support and facilitate the drug distribution network, which operated throughout the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. By leveraging his position as an attorney, Morris helped ensure the smooth operation of the illegal activities, deepening his involvement in the conspiracy.
Became Involved With Drug Trafficking
Federal court documents reveal that Morris became involved with the Rogers Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) in early 2021. Led by Donald Rogers, the owner of a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL), this organization distributed large quantities of marijuana and THC products, such as vape pens, wax, and edibles, throughout Virginia. Morris’s law office, Top Tier Law, served as a key storage facility for the DTO, housing approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana, with a street value ranging between $800,000 and $1.6 million. In return for allowing his office to be used as a storage site, Morris received regular monthly payments and substantial amounts of marijuana, which he distributed himself.
Evaded Law Enforcement
Morris compounded his legal troubles by allegedly helping the organization evade law enforcement. Investigators accuse him of advising his co-conspirators on how to disguise drug shipments to avoid detection, specifically by using legal mail privileges. This tactic, designed to make it harder for authorities to intercept the illegal shipments, highlights the extent of Morris’s involvement in supporting the criminal enterprise.
These actions, combined with his active role in the distribution of illegal substances, have led to charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence. Morris’s case is a stark reminder of how far one can fall when they betray the ethical and legal responsibilities entrusted to them as a professional, and his eventual sentencing will mark the final chapter in a dramatic and troubling legal saga.
Lost His License
Matthew Taylor Morris’s fall from grace as an attorney culminated in the loss of his law license, a consequence of repeated ethical breaches and legal missteps. His troubles with the Virginia State Bar began in 2022 when he faced multiple suspensions, starting with a failure to meet mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) requirements and pay annual bar dues. These initial infractions, though procedural, signaled the beginning of a more troubling pattern. Despite these early warnings, Morris’s conduct worsened, leading to further disciplinary action.
Sent Threatening Messages
In addition to his failure to adhere to professional obligations, Morris was involved in more serious misconduct. One significant incident occurred when he sent threatening text messages to a former client, believing the client had filed a complaint against him with the Virginia State Bar. This behavior led to further suspension of his law license, highlighting his disregard for the ethical standards required of attorneys. Morris’s actions not only violated the bar’s rules of professional conduct but also called into question his fitness to practice law.
Practicing Law With No Licenses
Morris’s troubles didn’t end there. While his license was suspended, he continued to appear in court and prosecute cases as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Portsmouth, a clear violation of bar rules. For four weeks, Morris handled dozens of cases despite not having a valid license to practice law. This breach of ethics further damaged his professional reputation and contributed to the eventual permanent suspension of his license. His claim that he was unaware of the suspension did little to mitigate the severity of the violation, as attorneys are expected to maintain responsibility for their licensure status.
Caught With A Firearm In The Court
Moreover, Morris’s misconduct extended beyond legal ethics to include other incidents that raised concerns about his judgment. Authorities caught Morris with a firearm in his briefcase on two separate occasions while he was entering courthouses. As a result, the courts held him in civil contempt both times. These incidents further damaged his reputation and added to his growing list of legal troubles.
Drug trafficking Allegations
The allegations against Morris revolve around his involvement in a large-scale marijuana distribution conspiracy in the Hampton Roads region. According to federal court documents, Morris was part of a drug trafficking organization led by Donald Rogers, the owner of a Federal Firearm Licensee. The organization distributed significant quantities of marijuana and other THC products, such as vape pens, wax, and edibles.
He Was A Key Player
Matthew Taylor Morris’s involvement in a federal drug trafficking conspiracy marks a stark departure from his previous role as a practicing attorney. His connection to the drug trade started when he associated with Donald Rogers, the leader of the Rogers Drug Trafficking Organization. Rogers, who owned a Federal Firearm Licensee, orchestrated the large-scale distribution of marijuana and other THC products, including vape pens, wax, and edibles, throughout the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Morris quickly became deeply entangled in this operation. He used both his position as an attorney and his law office to actively facilitate the drug trade, further cementing his role within the conspiracy.
His Law Office Became A Drug Storage
Federal investigators revealed that Morris used his law office, Top Tier Law, as a central hub for storing large quantities of marijuana. They discovered that the office housed approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana, valued at up to $1.6 million. In exchange for allowing the office to function as a storage facility, Morris received substantial financial compensation. Rogers, the leader of the operation, paid the rent for Morris’s office for several months. Additionally, Morris was supplied with marijuana for his own distribution. Investigators determined that Morris regularly received around 15 pounds of THC products each month, which he then sold to retail customers.
He Helped The Group Avoid Detection
Morris was not just passively involved in the storage and sale of marijuana. He played an active role in advising his co-conspirators on how to evade law enforcement. In one instance, Morris instructed Nicholas Capehart, a co-conspirator, on how to mail marijuana products undetected. He suggested packaging the drugs as “legal mail” to make it harder for authorities to obtain a warrant for inspection. This showed Morris’s knowledge of the law and how he used it to help the drug trafficking organization avoid detection.
He Introduce Buyers To the Organization
Further investigation into the Rogers revealed that Morris introduced Capehart to Rogers, believing that Capehart could supply THC products. When it became clear that Rogers operated on a larger scale, Morris facilitated the relationship by connecting Rogers with other potential buyers, including some of his legal clients. This deepened Morris’s involvement in the drug trafficking network, showing that he was more than just a passive participant; he actively contributed to the success of the operation.
Conspiracy To Possess With Intent
Matthew Taylor Morris, a former attorney from Virginia Beach, is facing multiple serious federal charges related to his involvement in a significant drug trafficking conspiracy. The charges against Morris include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Charged With Evading The Law
In addition to facilitating the storage and sale of marijuana, Morris is also accused of advising his co-conspirators on methods to evade law enforcement. For example, he allegedly instructed Nicholas Capehart, a fellow participant, on how to package marijuana as “legal mail” to make it more difficult for authorities to intercept. These actions show that Morris used his legal knowledge and position to aid the conspiracy in avoiding detection by law enforcement, further complicating his legal standing.
Can Face Up To 10 Years In Prison
These charges carry significant penalties under federal law. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute are serious offenses, with Morris potentially facing up to 10 years in federal prison. His involvement in the drug trafficking operation, combined with his advisory role in helping the organization evade law enforcement, has placed him at the center of a criminal case that underscores the gravity of his actions. His sentencing is expected to take place in early 2025, and given the severity of the charges, Morris is likely to face a substantial prison sentence, marking a tragic end to his legal career.
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. We will work and be in your best interest for you and we will obtain the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Our team is here to explain your trial, guiding you through the criminal justice process with clarity and support every step of the way. If you’re navigating the complexities of criminal charges and the court system seems daunting, reach out.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It is vital to have someone explain the result of the charge to you and guide you in the best possible way.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys build a defense case that suits your needs, aiming for the best possible outcome to benefit you.
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we offer a free consultation at your convenience. You can schedule your appointment via Zoom, Google Meet, email, or in person. We provide comprehensive advice and information to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
Call us now at (281) 810-9760.
Other Related Articles
Drug Deal To Deadly Crime: A Daring Robbery Goes Wrong
Emerging DEA Investigation: Counterfeit Pills Exposed In Connecticut
The Multimillion-Dollar Healthcare Fraud
Senseless Murder: The Astonishing Southport Stabbing
Revealing Fentanyl Trafficking And The Arrest Of Minsu Fang’s
Breakthrough In Justice: Matthew Switalski’s Capture
Matthew Taylor Morris – FAQs
Matthew Taylor Morris is facing federal charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. These charges stem from his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization involving marijuana and THC products.
Morris used his law office to store large quantities of marijuana and was actively involved in distributing THC products. He also advised his co-conspirators on how to avoid law enforcement, making him a central figure in the operation.
The Rogers Drug Trafficking Organization, which Morris was part of, stored up to 1,000 pounds of marijuana in his law office, with a street value between $800,000 and $1.6 million. This large-scale operation distributed various THC products throughout Virginia.
Morris could face up to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy. The actual sentence will depend on federal sentencing guidelines and other factors considered by the court.
In addition to the drug charges, Morris has faced multiple legal issues, including several suspensions of his law license for failing to pay dues and comply with legal education requirements. He was also involved in incidents of carrying a firearm into courthouses and sending threatening messages to a former client.
