U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
Edmond Quatrell Blue, a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The announcement was made by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The sentence was delivered by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr.
In addition to the prison term, Blue will undergo five years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Blue, 33, was indicted on April 5, 2023, and pleaded guilty on July 29, 2024. It is noted that there is no parole in the federal system.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted an investigation revealing that on June 10, 2022, agents observed Blue near an apartment complex on Napa Valley Drive in Little Rock. During surveillance operations, Blue was seen interacting with individuals and carrying a plastic McDonald’s bag into an unknown apartment.
Later in the day, Blue returned to the area in a black Ford F-250 and was observed transferring a purple duffle bag from an apartment into the vehicle. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) subsequently stopped the truck at another apartment complex entrance for a traffic violation.
Upon being stopped, Blue fled on foot with the duffle bag but was pursued by officers. A DEA Task Force Officer witnessed him dispose of the duffle bag into a construction dumpster before being apprehended hiding in a vacant apartment. The contents of the bag were tested and confirmed to contain 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl.
Blue's criminal history includes multiple felony convictions related to drug offenses and illegal firearm possession.
The investigation involved collaboration between the DEA, ASP, and the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Crews prosecuted the case.
