Raleigh Drug Dealer Gets 27 Years in Federal Prison After Fentanyl Overdose Death of 26-Year-Old
RALEIGH, NC — A Raleigh man has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a 26-year-old man, following an investigation that uncovered extensive drug trafficking activity and two additional overdose deaths.
Kenneth Omar Roger Chung, 53, also known as “Skully,” received the sentence from U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III after pleading guilty to federal charges involving fentanyl distribution resulting in death and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Chung pleaded guilty on May 20, 2026.
Federal prosecutors say he continued distributing illegal drugs even after learning that someone had died from an overdose.
Cell Phone Evidence Connected Chung to Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
The investigation began March 28, 2023, when Raleigh police responded to a 911 call and discovered a 26-year-old man dead from a drug overdose.
Officers recovered heroin, purple fentanyl powder, and 11 Xanax pills from the victim’s backpack.
An autopsy determined that fentanyl caused his death.
Investigators examined the victim’s cellphone and discovered evidence indicating that Chung had delivered the drugs the previous night.
Law enforcement subsequently conducted several controlled drug purchases from Chung and his co-defendant, Jermaine Robinson, including purchases of purple fentanyl.
Two Additional Overdose Deaths Raise Concerns
Prosecutors also described two additional overdose deaths connected to Chung’s drug activity.
On October 7, 2023, Chung delivered crack cocaine to a man in Cary who later died from an overdose.
Less than three weeks later, on October 23, Raleigh police responded to another emergency call, this time at Chung’s apartment.
Officers found Chung’s roommate unresponsive. The roommate subsequently died from an overdose.
The federal announcement does not state that Chung was convicted of causing either of those two additional deaths.
However, the incidents prompted investigators to intensify their investigation into his drug distribution activities.
Police Seize Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Four Guns
On October 25, 2023, Raleigh police executed a search warrant at Chung’s apartment.
Investigators recovered substantial quantities of illegal drugs and firearms.
| Items seized from apartment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fentanyl | 29.06 grams |
| Methamphetamine | 23.75 grams |
| Heroin | 9.96 grams |
| Cocaine | 5.09 grams |
| Marijuana | 57 grams |
| Firearms | 4 |
Officers arrested Chung and seized additional drugs and $5,541 in cash during the arrest.
The discoveries provided further evidence of the scope of Chung’s drug trafficking operation, according to federal authorities.
U.S. Attorney: Chung Chose Profit Over Human Life
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle condemned Chung’s actions, emphasizing that the defendant continued distributing drugs despite knowing the deadly consequences.
“He chose profit over human life,” Boyle said.
Boyle described the 27-year sentence as an important step toward protecting communities from dangerous drug trafficking.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones also emphasized the risks associated with illegal drugs and firearms.
“The dangers of illegal narcotics are absolutely real and often fatal,” Jones said, adding that illegal firearm possession increases the threats facing communities.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce credited cooperation among local and federal law enforcement agencies for the investigation’s outcome.
Boyce said the partnership helped disrupt illegal drug distribution, remove dangerous substances from the community and hold those responsible accountable.
Federal Investigation Involved Raleigh and Cary Police
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Raleigh Police Department and Cary Police Department.
The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Federal authorities identified the prosecution as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting criminal organizations and violent crime.
Chung’s case is filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina under case number 5:25-CR-00124-D.
The sentencing concludes the federal prosecution against Chung following an investigation that began with a young Raleigh man’s fatal overdose in March 2023.