A federal jury has found Eugene Montale Jenkins, 36, guilty of possessing with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. The verdict was announced by Judge William L. Osteen in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Jenkins had been operating as a drug dealer in Edgecombe County, selling substances including fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, and crack from his residence. The Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) began investigating Jenkins’ activities in March 2023 and conducted five controlled purchases of fentanyl from him between March and July 2023.
On July 12, 2023, ECSO executed a search warrant at Jenkins’ residence. According to authorities, Jenkins attempted to flee but returned inside to dispose of over three ounces of crack cocaine. During the search, law enforcement discovered a backpack containing more than 6,000 individual packages of fentanyl valued at over $100,000. Officers also recovered cash, digital scales, empty packaging materials, stamps, ink pads, and rubber bands. Investigators noted that the stamps on the seized fentanyl matched those on packages sold during the undercover operations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Dixon and Kevin Gerarde prosecuted the case. The investigation involved both ECSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
