Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 30 Years for Fentanyl Distribution

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 360 months in prison for firearms possession and his role as a kilogram-level dealer of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and other substances.  On December 22, 2022, Aaron Albert Goode pled guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine and fentanyl, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

“Kilogram-level drug dealers often receive dangerous high-purity narcotics, such as fentanyl, from their suppliers, then mix those drugs with cutting agents in makeshift laboratories where they press the cut drugs into kilograms,” said US Attorney Michael Easley.  “This dangerous process leads to unpredictable dosage amounts of potentially-deadly drugs that can kill unsuspecting drug users.  We are shutting down these clandestine laboratories and prosecuting the drug traffickers who profit from them.”

“The Fayetteville Police Department’s Narcotic Vice Suppression Unit and Emergency Response Unit played a vital role during this investigation. Working collaboratively with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we continue to aggressively combat Fayetteville's gun violence and trafficking,” said Chief Kemberle Braden.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Goode, 48, was identified by Fayetteville and Robeson County area law enforcement investigators as a significant source of drug supply dating back to at least 2016.  After years of receiving information about Goode’s drug involvement, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) were able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Goode during the summer of 2021.  Goode conducted these fentanyl sales out of a residence on Oakview Drive in Fayetteville.

On August 5, 2021, investigators with ATF and the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) executed a search warrant at the Oakview Drive residence.  Investigators familiar with Goode’s violent criminal history, which included a 1997 murder conviction in Hoke County, surrounded the residence and demanded that he exit so that the search warrant could be served.  After a delay of several minutes, Goode exited the residence.  Investigators later learned that during this delay, Goode destroyed several ounces of fentanyl by flushing it down the toilet. 

During the search of the Oakview Drive residence, investigators located various items used to package bulk quantities of drugs for sale to include a hydraulic press, digital scales, blenders and plastic wrap with drug residue.  Investigators also located six firearms, body armor, a ballistic shield, and approximately $70,000 in U.S. Currency inside the residence. 

Michael Easley, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fayetteville and Lumberton Police Departments, and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-334-D.