LOUISA, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Dawn Marie Morris, 51, of Louisa, was convicted for selling drugs, including marijuana and psilocyn, in Louisa County. Morris was also convicted of perjury after falsely claiming financial hardship in her application for court-appointed counsel.

The conviction stems from a September 6, 2023, operation by the Louisa County Narcotics Task Force, which executed a search warrant at a storage facility owned by Morris on Courthouse Road. According to a statement from the Louisa County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Morris had been hosting a weekly “pop-up” farmers-style market offering smoking and vaping products. During the search, detectives discovered 13 bags of marijuana labeled with different strains and multiple pounds of marijuana around Morris’ table. Additionally, psilocyn, or mushrooms, were being openly sold at the market.

Further investigation led to a search of Morris’ residence, where detectives found more psilocyn, marijuana, drug packing materials, and nearly $100,000 in cash. The total assets seized during the investigation amounted to $432,800.

Commonwealth Attorney Rusty McGuire commented on the case, stating, “I am shocked at the brazen attitude that drug dealers thought they could set up an open drug market in Louisa County. We hope this case sends a strong message to drug dealers that if you peddle your poison in Louisa, you will lose your drugs, money, and freedom.”

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Wood, the lead prosecutor, added, “Morris thought she could ignore the laws of the Commonwealth in Louisa County and even after a warning to stop her illegal market, she continued dealing drugs. Hopefully, she will have a long time in prison to think about her mistakes.”

Morris faces up to 160 years in prison at her sentencing, scheduled for February 3, 2025.