North Carolina Man Who Trafficked Fentanyl into Virginia Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - A North Carolina man who trafficked fentanyl from North Carolina into Virginia pled guilty this week to federal drug charges.

Semaj Montaque Sledge, 35, pled guilty to one count of distributing 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

"Fentanyl is a poison that continues to kill our citizens and destroy our communities," Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. "The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia will continue to work with federal, state and local partners to aggressively prosecute fentanyl traffickers in this district."

"Drug traffickers like this individual prioritize profit over the lives and families they destroy. They exploit the trust of vulnerable citizens by distributing poisons like fentanyl. DEA is actively working with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and combat drug trafficking in Virginia and beyond. Together we are working for a Fentanyl Free America," said DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Goumennis.

According to court documents, on August 26, 2025, Sledge traveled from North Carolina to Virginia to sell an individual approximately 252 grams of pressed fentanyl in exchange for $8,000. The transaction was observed by law enforcement.

Several days later, Sledge once again traveled from North Carolina to Virginia to sell the same individual fentanyl. This time selling 437 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $14,500. This purchase was once again observed by law enforcement.

A few weeks later, officers with the Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Sledge along I-64 near Zions Crossroads in Virginia.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virginia State Police are investigating the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz is prosecuting the case for the United States.