Eastern District of North Carolina | Crip gang member sentenced to 40 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine

RALEIGH, NC – A Crip Gang member from Winston Salem was sentenced today to 480 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Raleigh area. On April 25, 2024, Marquis Peterson, age 30, was convicted by a federal jury of three charges, including conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Peterson was identified as a supplier of fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with accomplice, Twalondus Simmons (5:23-CR-00023-D-RN-2). Simmons pleaded guilty to human trafficking in March 2024 and was sentenced to 84 months in June. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted a number of controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Peterson.

While in custody and awaiting trial, Peterson orchestrated the sale and transportation of drugs to the Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Virginia and engaged in witness intimidation by attempting to coerce his girlfriend against the grand jury to lie. When she told him she was telling the truth, he called her a “rat” and told her “you’re dead.” Peterson, a convicted felon, was responsible for more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine and 428 grams of fentanyl. His previous conviction was for robbery with a deadly weapon.

Michael Easley, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after his sentencing U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Sandling and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aria Q. Merle prosecuted the case.

Peterson’s prosecution was part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-led, multi-agency approach that leverages its strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00023-D-RN-1.