NORFOLK— A former drug dealer will be allowed to be an Alcoholic Beverage Control manager at The Palace on Plume Street nightclub despite a felony conviction, an ABC hearing officer has ruled.
Kenny Bullock asked for ABC permission; state law said the felony could disqualify him. Hearing officer Clara A. Williamson ruled Tuesday that Bullock should be approved because he owns two businesses, “has made significant contributions to the community,” and has the support of the Norfolk City Council.
Norfolk police and Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Underwood opposed Bullock’s request. Underwood testified at the hearing on Jan. 10 that Bullock’s 1995 conviction made him unfit to be an ABC manager.
Bullock was convicted in federal court of intent to distribute cocaine after Maryland state troopers found 21 pounds of cocaine, $2,000 in cash and an ammunition clip in his car. He served time in prison and completed probation. He testified at the hearing that he was a changed man.
Bullock received letters of support from Paul Going, executive vice president at TowneBank, and the Rev. Gregory Norris, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church.
Chesapeake attorney Christopher Falk owns the nightclub; Bullock owns the building at 200 E. Plume St. that houses it.
By Patrick Wilson
The Virginian-Pilot
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