A North Carolina resident has admitted to federal drug charges after trafficking fentanyl into Virginia. Semaj Montaque Sledge, 35, pleaded guilty to distributing more than 400 grams of fentanyl and a separate count involving over 40 grams.
“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.”
DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Goumennis 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 documents 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 while under law enforcement surveillance. Several days later, he made another trip selling 437 grams of fentanyl for $14,500; this transaction was also 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 case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz is prosecuting.
