A Charlotte man has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison after authorities seized significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, firearms, cash, and a stolen vehicle during an investigation. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, announced that Deontaye Smith, 32, received a sentence of 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Smith had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing methamphetamine.
Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte Field Division, joined Ferguson in announcing the sentencing.
Court documents and information from the sentencing hearing indicate that on March 27, 2024, investigators learned that an individual known as “Taye,” later identified as Smith, was selling large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl along with firearms in Charlotte. Investigators used a confidential informant to arrange several drug purchases from Smith involving substantial amounts of methamphetamine.
On July 16, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Smith. He was arrested by ATF agents at his home on July 25. During a search following his arrest, law enforcement recovered about 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine and 633 grams of fentanyl along with $10,099 in cash and two scales. Officers also found powder used for diluting drugs and discovered a stolen Dodge Charger parked at the residence.
In addition to these items, police seized two firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition. One firearm was equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a “Glock switch” and had a high-capacity magazine holding up to 31 rounds.
Smith remains in federal custody pending assignment to a federal prison facility.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson recognized the efforts of the ATF during this case’s announcement.
The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
