Jan.29, 2010, 10:20 p.m. EST

A Hampton man accused of spearheading a major heroin ring pleaded guilty in federal court this week to managing a criminal enterprise.

Darryl Wright, 44, admitted Wednesday to leading a drug ring that bussed heroin to the Peninsula from New York and New Jersey.

More than 20 people have so far been charged in the conspiracy. Conspirators traveled to New York and New Jersey by bus, purchased 200 grams or more of heroin and brought it back to Newport News and Hampton.

The heroin was then "cut and repackaged" for street distribution. The drugs were distributed in Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, James City, York, Poquoson, Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex, according to court documents.

As part of the guilty plea, Wright admitted to being the "overall organizer, leader and manager" of the ring. Federal agents serving warrants on safety deposit boxes in Wright's name recovered $111,894 in cash.

As part of a plea bargain with prosecutors, these other charges against Wright were dropped: conspiracy to distribute heroin; engaging in a criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute heroin; attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Wright will be sentenced April 30 and faces 20 years to life behind bars.

Also on Wednesday, another accused conspirator, Alicia L. Wright, 29, of Newport News, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, and faces up to 20 years in prison.

Gordon M. Pettaway, 49, of Hampton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, and faces between five and 40 years.

Pettaway and Wright will be sentenced on April 28 and 29, respectively.

The pleas were accepted Thursday by U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Bradberry.