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United States of America v. Jermaine Crayton Jr.
Date: 02-24-2026
Case Number: 26-cr-00005
Judge: Thomas T. Cullen
Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Washington County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Abingdon
Defendant's Attorney: Richard Kennedy
Description:
Abingdon, Virginia, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with knowingly and intentionally conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
In August 2025, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration developed intelligence that Jermaine Crayton Jr., 20, was trafficking fentanyl-laced pills and powder fentanyl. The intelligence indicated that Crayton had repeatedly brought large quantities of fentanyl pills into Smyth County for further distribution.
In August 2025, law enforcement arranged a controlled purchase of 1,000 fentanyl pills and two ounces of fentanyl powder from Crayton at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, Virginia.
Following a positive identification of Crayton, law enforcement converged on Crayton’s vehicle, at which time Crayton fled on foot. While fleeing, Crayton dropped several items, including a baggie containing pressed fentanyl pills and a baggie containing powder fentanyl.
Following his arrest, it was determined that Crayton possess 2,372 fentanyl pills and 58.72 grams of fentanyl powder. The type of pills Crayton was distributing are increasingly common, and extremely dangerous. They are known as “pressed” pills or “M30” pills, and they are designed to resemble a pharmaceutical preparation of oxycodone pills. However, they often contain fentanyl, often in inconsistent doses that can lead to overdose and death.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case for the United States.
In August 2025, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration developed intelligence that Jermaine Crayton Jr., 20, was trafficking fentanyl-laced pills and powder fentanyl. The intelligence indicated that Crayton had repeatedly brought large quantities of fentanyl pills into Smyth County for further distribution.
In August 2025, law enforcement arranged a controlled purchase of 1,000 fentanyl pills and two ounces of fentanyl powder from Crayton at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, Virginia.
Following a positive identification of Crayton, law enforcement converged on Crayton’s vehicle, at which time Crayton fled on foot. While fleeing, Crayton dropped several items, including a baggie containing pressed fentanyl pills and a baggie containing powder fentanyl.
Following his arrest, it was determined that Crayton possess 2,372 fentanyl pills and 58.72 grams of fentanyl powder. The type of pills Crayton was distributing are increasingly common, and extremely dangerous. They are known as “pressed” pills or “M30” pills, and they are designed to resemble a pharmaceutical preparation of oxycodone pills. However, they often contain fentanyl, often in inconsistent doses that can lead to overdose and death.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Outcome:
The Defendant elected to plead guilty.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Jermaine Crayton Jr.?
The outcome was: The Defendant elected to plead guilty.
Which court heard United States of America v. Jermaine Crayton Jr.?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Washington County), VA. The presiding judge was Thomas T. Cullen.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Jermaine Crayton Jr.?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Abingdon. Defendant's attorney: Richard Kennedy.
When was United States of America v. Jermaine Crayton Jr. decided?
This case was decided on February 24, 2026.