Derek Gaines, a 37-year-old from Severn, Maryland, was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and cocaine. The case concluded in U.S. District Court, where Judge Dabney L. Friedrich also imposed a four-year supervised release following Gaines' imprisonment. The sentencing announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the ATF, and Chief Pamela Smith of the MPD.
Gaines had previously admitted guilt on December 5, 2024. As part of his plea, he acknowledged engaging in illegal distribution of over 40 grams of fentanyl.
The criminal activities unfolded as early as April 4, 2024, when Gaines was contacted by an ATF informant. Gaines offered both cocaine and fentanyl pills for sale. The sale took place on Maryland Avenue NE, where Gaines delivered the substances to the informant in exchange for $4,000. Analysis by the DEA confirmed the drugs were indeed cocaine and fentanyl, with the quantities verified at 55.78 grams and 59.2 grams, respectively, for the substances involved.
Further transactions were recorded, including one on June 6, 2024, where Gaines supplied the informant with more drugs. The second exchange was conducted in a similar manner, resulting in Gaines receiving $6,500 for cocaine and fentanyl pills. The DEA confirmed the total net weights of the drugs exchanged that day as 56.44 grams of cocaine and 106.69 grams of fentanyl.
Another transaction occurred on July 23, 2024, for an $8,000 exchange of 2,000 fentanyl pills.
Gaines was eventually apprehended by law enforcement on August 29, 2024, in Severn, Maryland. The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole.