Greenbelt, Maryland - The U.S. Attorney's Office announced, today, that a grand jury issued a 13-count indictment against a Lexington Park drug trafficker, stemming from a federal drug-and-firearms investigation.

Paul Dewayne Dorsey, 46, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. These charges are in connection with the sale of firearms and fentanyl across multiple counties in Maryland.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); and Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

According to the indictment, beginning in November 2025, and continuing into May 2026, Dorsey distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl to an undercover officer on eight separate occasions. On three of these occasions, Dorsey sold one or more firearms, in addition to the controlled substance. Dorsey is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to at least one prior felony conviction.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Dorsey faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of up to 40 years in prison for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl; a mandatory minimum of five years, consecutive to all other charges, and a maximum of up to life for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 15 years for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, MSP, and St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Brosh and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Duvall who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

# # #