Cocaine and Fentanyl Ringleader Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison

NEW BERN, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Donnie Dontez Jeffreys, 35, to 22 years in federal prison for leading a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl distribution operation throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina. On May 12, 2026, Jeffreys pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 11 pounds or more of cocaine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.

"Donnie Jeffreys traded human lives for drug money, poisoning our streets with fentanyl and cocaine. This sentence sends a stark message: we will hunt down every Big Shark Bad Boy pushing deadly poison, tear up the roots of their kudzu crew, and put them where they belong - behind bars. Don't mess around with these dedicated sheriffs and cops, you will find out. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits - Do Right," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle."

In February 2024, investigators identified Jeffreys as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of cocaine, powder fentanyl, and pressed fentanyl pills. Federal and local law enforcement employed a range of methods, including traffic stops, freight interdictions, interviews, federal wiretaps, and controlled drug purchases to investigate his crimes and built the case against him.

As a result, investigators executed search warrants at multiple stash houses tied to Jeffreys' organization and seized significant amounts of narcotics and firearms. Their searches uncovered a freight shipment containing 52 pounds of cocaine concealed in desk chair boxes, more than 33 pounds of fentanyl pills and over 35 pounds of cocaine stored in a duffle bag inside a stash house, along with $400,000 in cash from a car outside. A subsequent search warrant recovered even more cocaine, marijuana, and 32 weapons.

"Today's 22-year federal prison sentence is the result of the unwavering collaboration between DEA and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners," said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. "Together, we dismantled a significant drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing cocaine and fentanyl in our communities. This sentence sends a clear message, those who choose to profit from poisoning our neighborhoods will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice."

"The Wake County Sheriff's Office makes it clear that illegal drugs and drug trafficking have no place in our communities. I thank the men and women who worked diligently to hold Donnie Jeffreys accountable. This investigation and sentencing highlight the value of our strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies," Sheriff Willie Rowe said.

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. DEA, SBI, Wake County Sheriff's Office, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Raleigh Police Department, and Wake Forest 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-147-FL-1.