By John Carlin
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: March 19, 2008

According to a federal indictment, Barry Lee Coleman, 36, distributed “50 grams or more” of crack cocaine on August 14, 2002.  In June of the same year, federal agents say he distributed “at least 20 grams but less than 35 grams.”

Coleman was arrested, spent 9 days in jail, and then released on 25-thousand dollars bond. But according to an indictment from January 18, 2007, he never showed up for his trial.  He’s been on the run ever since.

The man chasing him is Deputy Marshal Greg Burnett in the Roanoke office.  “Since that time we’ve been actively seeking Mr. Coleman’s return.  We’ve worked many hours on this case, developed many leads on the case,” said Burnett. 

Burnett tells WSLS-10 that Coleman is a mid-level drug dealer.  “He’s above street level, but below the top guys,” he said, explaining that Coleman has a criminal history but no previous felony convictions. “He has a criminal history, not as lengthy as some, but does have a history of guns, drugs and failure to appear,” he said.

Burnett believes Coleman is still dealing drugs in Southside Virginia, and wants him off the street.  He asked anyone with information to call the U.S. Marshal’s office at (540) 857-2230.

“As soon as we get the break we need, he’ll be back in custody,” said Burnett.