Franklin County Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison

WILMINGTON, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Ahmod Talley to over 10 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Franklin County. On January 14, 2026, Inmate Talley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and possess with the intent to sell heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, possession with intent to sell heroin and fentanyl, possession with intent to sell cocaine, and two counts of possession of a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

"We recognize the devastating impact drug addiction and overdoses have on families in our communities. This sentence sends a message, understand clearly: when you sell deadly poison to our kids and families just to make a little bit of money, you will pay serious consequences. Dope dealers lose their freedom for decades. This prolific drug dealer earned every day of his prison sentence, and the residents of Eastern North Carolina will be safer while he's locked up. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits - Do Right." said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

The investigation into Inmate Talley's drug dealing started after a fatal drug overdose in Franklin County. Franklin County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated and determined that Inmate Talley sold fentanyl to the victim three days before the death. Ultimately, law enforcement pulled Inmate Talley over, and found a loaded .40 caliber handgun, bindles of fentanyl labeled "Try This" (like the ones found in the overdose victim's house) and bindles perversely labeled "Life Support." Law enforcement searched Inmate Talley's house, finding a .380 caliber pistol, cocaine, and marijuana. They also searched Inmate Talley's grandmother's house, where they found a rifle and 350 bindles of a heroin and fentanyl mix stamped "Life Support" and, apparently marketed at children, "Goosebumps."

"Today's sentence underscores the power of coordinated law enforcement efforts to hold drug dealers accountable when their actions cost someone their life," said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte. "Through the combined work of the FCSO, HSI, and our partners in the Eastern District of North Carolina, HSI remains committed to targeting those who distribute lethal fentanyl and other narcotics in our communities at the expense of public safety."

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. FCSO and HSI investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted 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. 5:23-CR-365-M-RJ.