A Tennessee man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to trafficking fentanyl into Southwest Virginia. Jermaine Crayton Jr., 20, admitted to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as one count of possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Court documents reveal that in August 2025, law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration identified Crayton as a trafficker moving fentanyl-laced pills and powder into Smyth County for further distribution.
Authorities arranged a controlled purchase involving 1,000 fentanyl pills and two ounces of fentanyl powder from Crayton at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, Virginia. After confirming his identity, officers attempted to apprehend Crayton. He fled on foot and dropped items containing pressed fentanyl pills and powder during his escape.
Upon arrest, law enforcement found Crayton in possession of 2,372 fentanyl pills and nearly 59 grams of fentanyl powder. The pills were described as “pressed” or “M30” pills designed to look like oxycodone but often contain inconsistent doses of fentanyl that can lead to overdose or death.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, stated: “The type of pills Crayton was distributing are increasingly common, and extremely dangerous. They are known as ‘pressed’ pills or ‘M30’ pills, and they are designed to resemble a pharmaceutical preparation of oxycodone pills. However, they often contain fentanyl, often in inconsistent doses that can lead to overdose and death.”
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI and local law enforcement departments. Assistant United States Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.
