Raleigh dealer receives 27-year federal prison sentence for fatal fentanyl overdose (DOJ)

RALEIGH, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Kenneth Omar Roger Chung, also known as "Skully", 53, of Raleigh, NC, to 27 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that led to the overdose death of a 26-year-old Raleigh man. In addition, he was also sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to sell fentanyl, meth, and cocaine. Chung pleaded guilty to the charges on May 20, 2026.

"When you sell drugs, you know people can die. This isn't just everyday dealing. He chose profit over human life. Chung kept pushing poison even after he knew someone had died, just went right back out looking for his next customer. This 27-year federal sentence protects the people of the Eastern District of North Carolina for decades and delivers the serious punishment his actions deserved and demanded. The message is simple: Drugs kill. Prison follows. Do the right thing," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

On March 28, 2023, the Raleigh Police Department responded to a 911 call and found a 26-year-old man dead from a drug overdose. Officers seized heroin, purple fentanyl powder, and 11 Xanax pills from his backpack. An autopsy confirmed he died from a fentanyl overdose. Evidence on his cell phone showed Chung had delivered the drugs the night before. Soon afterward, law enforcement conducted several controlled drug buys, including purple fentanyl, directly from Chung and his co-defendant, Jermaine Robinson.

On October 7, 2023, Chung delivered crack cocaine to a man in Cary, who later died from an overdose.

On October 23, 2023, Raleigh Police Department officers responded to another 911 call at Chung's apartment. Officers found his roommate unresponsive, and the roommate later died from an overdose.

Following these incidents, investigators intensified their efforts to determine the extent of Chung's drug dealing activity. On October 25, 2023, Raleigh Police officers executed a search warrant at his apartment and seized 57 grams of marijuana, 29.06 grams of fentanyl, 5.09 grams of cocaine, 9.96 grams of heroin, 23.75 grams of meth, and four guns. Officers then arrested Chung, seizing additional drugs and $5,541 during the arrest.

"The dangers of illegal narcotics are absolutely real and often fatal," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. "Illegal possession of firearms adds to that danger and the threats against our community. ATF and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying those that endanger our safety and shutting down their lawless operations."

"The Raleigh Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to our exceptional public safety partners whose dedication and teamwork were instrumental throughout this investigation. Together, we worked to disrupt the illegal drug trade, remove dangerous drugs from our community, and protect the people we serve," said Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce. "We are especially grateful for our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to holding those responsible accountable, keeping dangerous drugs off our streets, and making our community safer."

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The ATF, the Raleigh Police Department, and the Cary 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 number 5:25-CR-00124-D.