One of two brothers from Caledonia County is facing up to life in federal prison in connection with his arrest

One of two brothers from Caledonia County is facing up to life in federal prison in connection with his arrest as part of operating a major drug house along a rural road known by neighbors as the “Heroin Highway.” Eric Colson III, 25, of Stannard, pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to three felony charges, including knowingly maintaining 191 Hutchins Farm Road for the purpose of distributing and using both heroin and fentanyl along with manufacturing, distributing and using crack cocaine between late 2018 and September 10, 2021. Colson also pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm while involved in drug trafficking and for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine. Judge Christina Reiss rejected a defense request that Colson be allowed to remain free pending his sentencing and he was taken into custody by U.S. deputy marshals. Defense lawyer Richard Goldsborough had tried to argue Colson had not violated the terms of his pre-trial release order for the past 18 months. Reiss said higher courts have ruled that criminal defendants should not get special credit following a court order and for not breaking the law while on pre-trial release. Colson was now considered guilty and had a higher standard to prove for his release. The defendant’s younger brother, Gage Colson, 23, entered a guilty plea in May 2022 to a single felony charge for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in the case. Reiss set the sentencing for Eric Colson for June 27.