Delaware Drug Dealer Receives 12-Year Federal Prison Sentence For Trafficking Meth

Raleigh, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced James Nadel Taylor, 31, to 12 and half years in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of meth along the east coast. On May 5, 2026, Taylor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth.

"Here is another fine example of law enforcement protecting and serving the citizens of Eastern North Carolina. Through one officer's keen eye for discerning criminal activity, law enforcement sniffed out the drug mule and his Big Shark Bad Boy co-conspirator." said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. "To those who think they can bring their venomous drugs into Eastern North Carolina: you are dead wrong! Will we find you; we will prosecute you; and we will throw you under the jail."

On January 14, 2025, a Selma Police Department detective stopped a Kia Optima for following a tractor trailer too closely. The detective questioned the driver, Erminio Ferri, about his travel plans and noticed a nervous Ferri gave an implausible story. Taylor, the owner of the car, sat next to him as a passenger. Detectives searched the car and found over four pounds of meth. They later learned that Ferri and Taylor had driven from Delaware to South Carolina the previous day to pick this meth and were returning to Delaware when police stopped the car.

"This sentence reflects the outstanding work and dedication of our detectives, whose attention to detail during a routine traffic stop led to the seizure of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and ultimately the dismantling of a drug trafficking operation," said Justin R. Vause, Selma Police Chief. "Cases like this demonstrate that proactive policing and strong partnerships with our federal law enforcement partners continue to play a critical role in keeping dangerous narcotics out of our communities. Having firsthand knowledge of this investigation from its inception, I can say this outcome sends a clear message to those who seek to traffic illegal drugs through our town and across North Carolina: law enforcement agencies are committed to identifying, investigating, and holding offenders accountable. Protecting our residents and preventing dangerous substances from reaching our neighborhoods, families, and especially our children remain a top priority for the Selma Police Department. I am proud of the work conducted by our detectives and grateful for the collaborative efforts of the ATF and the United States Attorney's Office in bringing this case to a successful conclusion."

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The ATF and the Selma Police Department investigated the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-202-D-BM-2.