Gang Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

NEW BERN, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Maurice McKeithan (street name "Puff"), 25, to 15 years in federal prison. On December 16, 2025, McKeithan pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

The Wilmington Police Department and ATF made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and carfentanyl at various locations from McKeithan in Wilmington, North Carolina. A video from one of the controlled purchases shows that McKeithan had a firearm in his pocket.

"Let this prosecution serve as a clear warning: if you choose to traffic drugs, fuel violence, or profit from poisoning our communities, law enforcement and prosecutors will pursue you relentlessly. We will use every lawful tool available to identify, arrest, and hold accountable those who believe they can operate above the law. Drugs Kill: Prison Awaits, Do Right." said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

McKeithan repeatedly broke society's laws and trust with prior convictions for selling heroin (2012), conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon (2015) and assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill as a habitual felon (2019). At the time he committed these most recent federal offenses, McKeithan was on probation for felony fleeing to elude law enforcement.

Per law enforcement McKeithan was a validated member of the United Blood Nation street gang.

"The outcome of this case demonstrates that those who threaten the safety of our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. "The collaborative efforts among law enforcement partners, and the focus and objective of the Homeland Security Task Force, have been invaluable in helping to identify, apprehend and prosecute the violent groups and individuals that jeopardize our public safety."

"This offender's involvement in violent crime and drug trafficking posed a serious threat to our community. Thanks to the outstanding work of Wilmington Police Department officers, ATF agents, and federal prosecutors, he will now serve a significant prison sentence. This case highlights the strength of our local and federal partnerships and our shared commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. We will continue working aggressively with our law enforcement partners to protect our residents, enhance public safety, and ensure those who endanger our community are brought to justice," said Chief Ryan Zuidema.

This prosecution is part of Operation Counterpunch which is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the sentencing before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Wilmington Police Department and ATF 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. 7:25-cr-00070.