A Charlotte man has been sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses following an investigation that led to the seizure of large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, firearms, cash, and a stolen vehicle. The announcement was made by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Deontaye Smith, 32, received a sentence of 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to three counts of distributing methamphetamine.
Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, joined U.S. Attorney Ferguson in announcing the sentencing.
According to court documents and statements from the sentencing hearing, investigators identified Smith—known as “Taye”—as someone selling large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms in Charlotte. Using a confidential informant, law enforcement arranged several controlled purchases from Smith involving significant amounts of methamphetamine.
Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2024. ATF agents arrested him at his residence on July 25. During a search following his arrest, investigators seized approximately 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine and 633 grams of fentanyl. They also recovered $10,099 in cash; two scales; powder used to dilute drugs; a stolen Dodge Charger; two firearms; assorted ammunition; and one firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a “Glock switch” and a 31-round extended magazine.
Smith remains in federal custody pending designation to a facility by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the work of the ATF during this case.
The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
