Michael Lynn Russell, a 62-year-old from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking. Russell pleaded guilty on October 8, 2024.
Fuquay-Varina Police Chief Tim Smith commented on the sentencing: “This sentencing reflects the commitment of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department to protecting our community from the devastating impact of methamphetamine trafficking. We are grateful for the collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office, the DEA, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and our dedicated officers who worked tirelessly to bring this case to justice. Let this serve as a clear message: we will not tolerate illegal drug activity in Fuquay-Varina.”
Court documents reveal that between August and September 2022, information was received by officers from a confidential source about Russell's involvement in drug sales at Marquee Station Apartments. Surveillance was conducted on Russell from September to December 2022. On December 2, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle after he left a hotel. A K-9 officer detected controlled substances during an open-air sniff search.
The search led to the seizure of two large bundles of cash and various drugs including methamphetamine, Suboxone, hydrocodone pills, cocaine, and Adderall pills. The authorities seized $10,779 in cash during this operation. Russell was arrested but released on bond.
Between August 2022 and May 15, 2024, Russell faced two additional arrests while possessing more drugs. He was held accountable for trafficking significant quantities of methamphetamine along with other substances such as hydrocodone and cocaine. After each arrest, he admitted his criminal activities.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr., representing the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentencing after it was delivered by Chief Judge Richard Myers. The investigation involved cooperation between several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Fuquay-Varina Police Department (FVPD), and North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.