By Jeremiah Mcwilliams, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va., The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.
Dec. 17–NORFOLK — Stephen Zedd, the lead auctioneer in several high-profile auctions for Norfolk-based Zedd Auctioneers Ltd., has been jailed on felony drug charges.
Zedd, 33, was arrested Sunday in Norfolk on two counts of felony drug possession with intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute. The drugs were heroin and powder cocaine, said Brent Johnson, senior assistant commonwealth’s attorney.
On Friday, he appeared in General District Court for scheduling of a preliminary hearing, set for April 11. At that time, a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury, which could issue formal charges.
Zedd is being held at Norfolk City Jail without bail.
“We are exploring some possibilities for treatment for Mr. Zedd,” said defense attorney Andrew M. Sacks, who said he is trying to have Zedd released into a treatment program before the April hearing. “He is a wonderful son and a wonderful businessman. But it would appear that he is struggling with a personal battle with substance abuse.”
Zedd was charged in 1997 with felony possession of heroin and cocaine and pled guilty in Norfolk Circuit Court, according to court records. In 1998, he was arrested again on six felony drug counts, and subsequently pled guilty in Virginia Beach Circuit Court, according to records.
“I think everyone agrees that he has a drug habit — I don’t think anyone is contesting that,” Johnson said.
Stephen Zedd officially joined Zedd Auctioneers Ltd. as a teenager and has taken increased responsibility for running auctions for the company founded by his father, Calvin Zedd.
He has called a variety of auctions, including the $2 million sale in June of the Lafayette Motor Hotel on Granby Street in Norfolk.
“This is a fine young man at the core,” Sacks said. “We should be supportive of him in this battle.”
Reach Jeremiah McWilliams at (757) 446-2344 or [email protected].
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Copyright (c) 2005, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.
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