Raleigh Crack Dealing Gang Banger Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

RALEIGH N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Joseph Tyre Cumberlander, also known as "X Suave", 31, to 25 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Cumberlander pleaded guilty in federal court on June 23, 2026.

"This criminal made a career as a scourge to Raleigh, peddling poison in the streets with impunity. He refuses to learn his lesson. The jury's verdict spoke the truth, and the Court's sentence sent a clear message: the good citizens of Eastern North Carolina will not tolerate this behavior. Go sell drugs somewhere else, stay out of the EDNC," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

On January 12, 2025, Raleigh Police Department officers saw Cumberlander-an identified Bloods gang member and drug dealer-sitting in a caron the 500 block of Bragg Street. As officers approached, he sped off. During the chase, he threw about 35.4 grams of crack cocaine out of the window before officers arrested him. A search of his car turned up $882 in cash and a digital scale used to weigh drugs. Cumberlander was arrested but bonded out shortly thereafter.

On May 22, 2025, as RPD officers monitored a camera near Mangum and Bragg Streets they watched Cumberlander make several hand-to-hand drug transactions and hide a small bag under a water bottle. When officers moved in, he dropped 0.83 grams of crack cocaine. Officers recovered another 1.69 grams under the water bottle and found an additional 8.72 grams hidden inside a nearby fence post. Once again, they arrested Cumberlander and seized $678 in cash.

Cumberlander has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for possessing stolen firearms, firing a gun within city limits, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing with intent to sell cocaine and marijuana.

"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 identify and remove a violent offender from our community, disrupt criminal activity, 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 violent offenders accountable 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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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 and the Raleigh 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. 5:25CR00246D-001.