Gang Members Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking In Raleigh and Witness Intimidation
RALEIGH, NC – This week, prosecutors announced that members of two gangs have been sentenced to prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Raleigh area and attempting to intimidate witnesses.
– Marquis Peterson, 30, a Crip gang member from Winston-Salem, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Thursday.
– Axel “Flash” Rodriguez, 23, a member of the Bloods, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and trafficking of fentanyl. He used his Instagram account to sell fentanyl pills and intimidate a potential federal witness, according to the news release. Rodriguez received a 12-year prison sentence on Wednesday.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that can be fatal in large doses or when mixed with other substances. Recent statistics reveal that there were 167 fentanyl-related deaths in North Carolina in June, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The investigations into Peterson and Rodriguez were part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force operation aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations.
“Drug traffickers have learned they don’t need to stand on street corners when they can reach kids on their smartphones,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael Easley in the announcement regarding Rodriguez. “Counterfeit Oxycontin, Percocet, and Xanax sold on social media are driving addiction and overdose death.”
Jailhouse Drug Sales
Law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Peterson after he was identified as a source of these drugs in connection with Twalondus Simmons, who pleaded guilty in March and was sentenced to seven years in prison. While awaiting trial, Peterson allegedly organized the sale and transport of drugs into the Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Virginia, according to the news release. He also attempted to persuade his girlfriend to lie to the grand jury; when she insisted she had been truthful, he threatened her, calling her a “rat” and stating, “You dead.”
Peterson was linked to over 9 kilograms of methamphetamine and 428 grams of fentanyl, the release stated.
Instagram Drug Sales
The FBI and Raleigh police began investigating Rodriguez in March 2023 after he posted images of gang members with firearms on Instagram and advertised his ability to sell fentanyl “K packs,” slang for 1,000 pills. Between March and May 2023, investigators purchased blue pills marked “M-30” from him, which tested positive for fentanyl, the release stated.
In April 2023, Rodriguez was seen purchasing approximately 8,000 pills from a dealer. On that same day, a confidential informant reported seeing four guns in his vehicle during a transaction. Prosecutors indicated that he had four guns stored in a townhome and another four in a hotel room where he was selling drugs. Overall, Rodriguez was held accountable for over 700 grams of fentanyl and 3.6 grams of heroin, prosecutors said.
While in custody, Rodriguez had someone post a photo of an individual he believed might testify against him, along with images of sealed court documents and a rat, which led Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II to enhance his sentence for attempted obstruction of justice.
“The sentencing of this dangerous individual is an example of our strong working relationship with our federal partners, especially the FBI,” said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. “Using social media to harm our community with fentanyl and heroin will be met with the collective investigative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement.”
Visit NaloxoneSaves.org for information on overdose prevention strategies and resources. The NC Safer Syringe Initiative website can help you find syringe service programs in your area or access naloxone and harm reduction services.
Photos: Mugshot Zone