D.C. Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced for Role in Narcotics Trafficking Conspiracy

WASHINGTON - Darae Vaughn, 31, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 96 months in federal prison in connection with his role in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and crack cocaine in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

"Darae Vaughn trafficked fentanyl and crack cocaine while armed, putting lives at risk," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Now he's going to prison for eight years. If you push deadly drugs into our community while armed, you will be held accountable. You will go to prison."

Vaughn, aka "Rae," pleaded guilty June 30, 2026, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and to distribution and possession of 10 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the 96-month prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Vaughn to serve five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in March 2025 the FBI Safe Streets Task Force began an investigation into reports of narcotics trafficking on the 2000 block of 19th Place SE, particularly counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills.

The investigation revealed that from at least April 2025 through September 2025, during nine recorded transactions, Vaughn sold hundreds of fentanyl pills, and quantities of crack cocaine, carfentanyl, and methamphetamine while he was armed with a Glock 43x pistol.

In January 2025, codefendant Charles Dixon and Vaughn exchanged text messages discussing pills that Vaughn had supplied to Dixon. Dixon argued with Vaughn about how many pills Vaughn owed him. On April 8, 2025, Dixon participated in the sale of 96 fentanyl pills. On July 3, 2025, Dixon was involved in the sale of 163 fentanyl pills.

Dixon was sentenced on October 6 to 33 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Kate Naseef.

This case is part of the Department of Justice's broader efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and drug related violence in the District of Columbia. Fentanyl remains one of the deadliest substances circulating in the illegal drug supply, and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl pose extreme risks to unwitting users and the community at large.

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