North Carolina Man Who Trafficked Fentanyl Into Virginia Sentenced

CHARLOTESVILLE, Va. - A North Carolina man. who trafficked fentanyl from North Carolina into Virginia, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison.

Semaj Montaque Sledge, 35, pled guilty to one count of distributing 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

"Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have killed a quarter million Americans," First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said. "This office is committed to eradicating the illegal distribution of this toxin from the Western District of Virginia."

According to court documents, on August 26, 2025, Sledge traveled from North Carolina to Virginia to sell an individual approximately 252 grams of pressed fentanyl in exchange for $8,000. The transaction was observed by law enforcement.

Several days later, Sledge once again traveled from North Carolina to Virginia to sell the same individual fentanyl. This time selling 437 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $14,500. This purchase was once again observed by law enforcement.

A few weeks later, officers with the Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Sledge along I-64 near Zions Crossroads in Virginia.

First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Christopher Goumenis, DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virginia State Police investigated the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz is prosecuting the case for the United States.