Raleigh Man Gets 25 Years in Federal Prison After Police Catch Him Selling Crack Cocaine — Twice
A police chase, surveillance footage, and crack cocaine hidden inside a fence post were among the details in the federal case against Joseph Tyre Cumberlander. Here’s how investigators built their case.
RALEIGH, N.C. — A Raleigh man who was arrested twice within five months for selling crack cocaine will spend the next 25 years in federal prison after investigators documented drug activity, recovered cocaine and seized cash during separate encounters.
Joseph Tyre Cumberlander, 31, also known as “X Suave,” was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Cumberlander pleaded guilty in federal court on June 23, 2026. U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III imposed the sentence.
Federal prosecutors identified Cumberlander as a member of the Bloods gang and described a criminal history that included previous drug and firearm convictions.
Police Chase Leads to Crack Cocaine Seizure
The investigation began with an encounter on January 12, 2025, when Raleigh Police Department officers spotted Cumberlander sitting in a vehicle in the 500 block of Bragg Street.
According to federal prosecutors, Cumberlander accelerated away when officers approached, prompting a pursuit.
During the chase, he threw approximately 35.4 grams of crack cocaine from the vehicle’s window, authorities said.
Officers eventually arrested him.
A search of the vehicle uncovered $882 in cash and a digital scale used to weigh drugs.
Cumberlander was subsequently released on bond, but investigators would encounter him again several months later.
Surveillance Camera Captures Alleged Drug Transactions
On May 22, 2025, Raleigh police officers monitoring a surveillance camera near Mangum and Bragg streets observed Cumberlander conducting multiple hand-to-hand transactions, according to prosecutors.
Officers also watched him conceal a small bag beneath a water bottle.
When police approached, Cumberlander dropped approximately 0.83 grams of crack cocaine.
Investigators recovered another 1.69 grams beneath the water bottle and discovered an additional 8.72 grams hidden inside a nearby fence post.
Police arrested Cumberlander again and seized $678 in cash.
Combined, the two encounters resulted in the recovery of approximately 46.6 grams of crack cocaine, according to the quantities reported by federal authorities.
Federal Prosecutor Calls Sentence a Warning
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle criticized Cumberlander’s repeated criminal conduct and said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offenses.
“This criminal made a career as a scourge to Raleigh, peddling poison in the streets with impunity,” Boyle said.
“He refuses to learn his lesson.”
Boyle also emphasized that federal authorities would continue pursuing drug trafficking cases throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The Justice Department’s announcement included a reference to a jury verdict, although it separately stated that Cumberlander pleaded guilty. The release did not explain that discrepancy.
Previous Convictions Include Firearm and Drug Offenses
Federal prosecutors cited Cumberlander’s extensive criminal history as part of the case.
His previous convictions included possessing stolen firearms, discharging a firearm within city limits, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing cocaine and marijuana with intent to sell.
The sentencing announcement did not specify how much of the 25-year sentence was attributable to his prior criminal record.
Raleigh Police Chief Credits Federal Partnership
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce praised the cooperation among law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
“The Raleigh Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to our exceptional public safety partners whose dedication and teamwork were instrumental throughout this investigation,” Boyce said.
He credited the partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for helping disrupt criminal activity and hold offenders accountable.
The Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.
Case Part of Nationwide Federal Enforcement Initiative
The prosecution was included in Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative addressing violent crime, drug trafficking, and criminal organizations.
Cumberlander’s case was prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Additional court information is available through the federal court system under Case No. 5:25CR00246D-001.