Reston Man Arrested On Federal Gun Charges Linked To Drug Investigation

RESTON, VA — A Reston man with a prior felony drug conviction is facing federal firearms charges after investigators alleged he sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant over several weeks before a search of his home uncovered a handgun, suspected narcotics, cash and drug packaging materials.

Michael Broffitt is charged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The charges stem from a Fairfax County Police Department narcotics investigation that was later adopted federally, according to an affidavit filed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to the affidavit, investigators allege Broffitt sold methamphetamine and suspected fentanyl to a Fairfax County police confidential informant between March 10 and April 29. Based on that investigation, detectives obtained a Virginia search warrant for Broffitt's residence in the 11600 block of Foxclove Road in Reston.

Search Yielded Drugs, Gun And Cash, Affidavit Says

Police executed the search warrant on May 19 while Broffitt's grandmother, her adopted son and Broffitt's two young daughters were inside the home, according to the affidavit. The homeowner told investigators Broffitt had been living in one of the home's bedrooms for about a year.

Investigators reported finding in Broffitt's bedroom:

• Approximately 0.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
• Approximately 25 grams of suspected crack cocaine.
• Approximately 1 gram of suspected cocaine.
• Additional white powder and suspected controlled substances.
• About 10 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms.
• About 10.5 grams of marijuana.
• A Smith & Wesson SD9 VE 9mm pistol beneath a mattress.
• A box of ammunition.
• U.S. currency.
• Digital scales and packaging materials, including small plastic bags and capsules.

The affidavit also states that, as officers began serving the search warrant, a Fairfax County police sergeant saw Broffitt leave the rear of the house carrying a safe, place it outside and return to the front of the residence. According to investigators, Broffitt's daughters identified the safe as belonging to him.

Inside the safe, investigators reported finding approximately 22 grams of suspected crack cocaine packaged in six bags, about 23 grams of suspected methamphetamine, an additional bag of suspected crack cocaine, other suspected narcotics and marijuana.

In the affidavit, an ATF agent wrote that, based on his training and experience, drug traffickers commonly possess firearms to protect narcotics and proceeds from drug sales. The affidavit also notes that Broffitt was previously convicted in Loudoun County Circuit Court in 2021 of possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance, making it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.

An ATF firearms specialist also determined the recovered handgun was manufactured outside Virginia, meaning it had traveled in interstate commerce, according to the affidavit.

Prior State Cases

Virginia court records show Broffitt has multiple pending probation violation proceedings in Loudoun County stemming from prior felony convictions. He was arrested on probation violation warrants in 2024 and again in July 2026, with one status hearing scheduled for Aug. 20 and another matter set for deferred disposition in October.

Federal court records show Broffitt made his initial appearance in Alexandria on July 25. A magistrate judge ordered him detained pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for July 31.

The federal charges are allegations, and Broffitt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.