Zachary T. Lee Acting United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
A North Carolina resident has admitted guilt to federal charges related to fentanyl trafficking into Virginia. Semaj Montaque Sledge, 35, pleaded guilty this week to distributing more than 400 grams of fentanyl in one instance and over 40 grams in another.
“Fentanyl is a poison that continues to kill our citizens and destroy our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will continue to work with federal, state and local partners to aggressively prosecute fentanyl traffickers in this district.”
Special Agent in Charge Christopher Goumennis of the DEA Washington Division commented: “Drug traffickers like this individual prioritize profit over the lives and families they destroy. They exploit the trust of vulnerable citizens by distributing poisons like fentanyl. DEA is actively working with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and combat drug trafficking in Virginia and beyond. Together we are working for a Fentanyl Free America.”
Court records show that on August 26, 2025, Sledge traveled from North Carolina to Virginia where he sold about 252 grams of pressed fentanyl for $8,000 under surveillance by law enforcement. Several days later, he made another trip selling 437 grams of fentanyl for $14,500, again observed by authorities.
Sledge was arrested weeks later along Interstate 64 near Zions Crossroads by officers from the Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz is handling prosecution for the government.
