Fentanyl Dealer who Threatened Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to More than 12 Years Imprisonment

NEW BERN, N.C. – A fentanyl trafficker who threatened a Wilson Police Department officer was sentenced to more than 12 years imprisonment.

Michael Jarrell Chapman, age 40, pleaded guilty on February 14, 2022 to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Quantities of Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base (Crack) (Count One), and Distribution of Quantities of Heroin and Fentanyl (Count Two).

“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is killing thousands of people,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “We are proud to partner with the Wilson Police Department to investigate and prosecute those pushing deadly fentanyl into our communities. And our office will always prioritize cases against those who threaten violence against the brave men and women of law enforcement who serve and protect us.”

On December 30, 2020, a traffic stop was conducted, and Chapman was found in possession of 91 bindles of fentanyl and more than $1,300 in currency.

During the course of this investigation, Chapman placed a call to his state probation officer and indicated that he was going to find the detective who investigated him. Chapman then indicated that he was going to get the detective—either outside the courtroom or inside the courtroom.

According to court records and evidence presented in court, members of the Wilson Police Department learned that Chapman was distributing various controlled substances in the Wilson area. Officers conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine base (crack), and heroin from Chapman on several dates in 2020.

At sentencing, Judge Flanagan determined that Chapman was a Career Offender due to his history of prior drug trafficking convictions.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan issued the sentence on May 24, 2023. The Wilson Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Lemmon 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 Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:21-CR-257-FL-1.