A North Carolina resident has admitted guilt to federal drug charges after trafficking fentanyl into Virginia. Semaj Montaque Sledge, 35, pleaded guilty to distributing over 400 grams of fentanyl in one instance and more than 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.”
Christopher Goumennis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division, stated: “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 approximately 252 grams of pressed fentanyl for $8,000. Law enforcement witnessed this transaction. Days later, Sledge made another trip to sell an additional 437 grams of fentanyl for $14,500; authorities also observed this sale.
Sledge was arrested weeks later by officers from the Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration along Interstate 64 near Zions Crossroads.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz is handling prosecution.
