Charlotte Man That Traded Guns For Drugs Is Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Distributing Fentanyl

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A Charlotte man who was trading guns for drugs was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for distributing fentanyl, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Reginald Williams, 36, of Charlotte, was also ordered to serve four years under court supervision after he is released from prison.

Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today's announcement.

According to documents filed with the court, on July 9, 2020, law enforcement learned that Williams was trafficking narcotics, including fentanyl, in the Charlotte area. Over the course of the investigation, Williams communicated with an undercover officer (UC) posing as a drug supplier. During a conversation with the UC, Williams told the UC that he wanted to buy two kilograms of cocaine and indicated that he would pay for one kilogram of cocaine in cash and would trade firearms as payment for the second kilogram. On August 12, 2020, Williams met with the UC to execute the drug transaction. At that meeting, Williams and another individual placed four firearms - two rifles and two semiautomatic pistols - in the trunk of the UC's vehicle, and a bag containing $37,800 in cash in the vehicle of a second UC who was also present for the transaction. Williams was arrested on scene soon thereafter.

A federal search warrant was executed at an apartment Williams used to store drugs. Law enforcement seized fentanyl, plastic baggies, and other items consistent with drug distribution, as well as 28 rounds of ammunition. A search of Williams's residence yielded quantities of fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, a revolver and ammunition, and $23,748 in cash drug proceeds. During the investigation, Williams admitted to buying kilogram quantities of fentanyl and heroin, which he further distributed to others. He also admitted to illegally obtaining firearms from a gun trafficking source.

On December 20, 2023, Williams pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana. He remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

In making today's announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shavonn Bennette of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.