Maryland Member of Major D.C. Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to 87 Months

WASHINGTON - Michael Owens, 38, of St. Charles, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison in connection with his role in a multi-year conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

"Owens was an active participant in a drug trafficking network that moved massive quantities of fentanyl and cocaine into the District. He personally admitted the narcotics amounted to more than a kilogram of fentanyl and two kilograms of cocaine," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "When he learned his customers 'loved' what he was selling, he sought an even more potent supply. That kind of indifference fuels fatal overdoses. Owens' sentence reflects the gravity of his choices and serves as a warning: anyone who helps drive the opioid crisis in our community will be held accountable, no matter their role."

Owens pleaded guilty on Dec. 8, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In addition to the 87-month prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Owens to serve five years of supervised release and to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $30,000.

According to court papers, from at least August 2022 through about November 2023, Owens conspired with co-conspirator Ronnie Rogers and others to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in the District. Owens served as a redistributor in the conspiracy, acquiring bulk quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from Rogers and reselling them in smaller quantities to other distributors and buyers.

Rogers supplied Owens with fentanyl in two-gram bundles, each divided into 10 individual packages. Owens repaid Rogers after making sales. Wiretap interceptions recorded the two discussing drug debts, supply quantities, and contingency plans in the event either was raided by law enforcement.

In one intercepted communication from March 2023, Owens told Rogers that his customers loved what he was selling and asked for stronger, more potent fentanyl. In another, Owens confirmed he was nearly finished distributing a supply of both fentanyl and cocaine and was ready to be resupplied.

As part of his plea agreement, Owens admitted responsibility for between 400 grams and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl and between 500 grams and two kilograms of cocaine.

 Rogers, 71, of the District, was sentenced to 236 months in prison. Co-defendant Wayne Glymph, 49, of Port Tobacco, Maryland, was sentenced to 162 months. Co-defendant Samuel Braxton, 57, of Temple Hills, Maryland, who led the organization while incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix, was sentenced to 162 months.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division Office, the FBI Washington Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Alexandria Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department.

The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos and Matthew W. Kinskey.

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