Date: 07-09-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Ahmad Rashad McClain, a/k/a “Wop”

Case Number: 5:23-cr-00042

Judge: James C. Dever III

Court: The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (Wake County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Raleigh

Defendant's Attorney:

Click Here For The Best Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory

Description:

Raleigh, North Carolina criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Heroin Trafficker Who Intimidated Witnesses
Major Raleigh Heroin Trafficker Who Intimidated Witnesses Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Ahmad Rashad McClain, a/k/a “Wop,” a longtime resident of Raleigh, was determined by Raleigh Police Department (RPD) in late 2021 to be a major distributor of heroin in the Raleigh area. This was determined by physical and electronic surveillance, the use of confidential informants, and statements from witnesses.

On June 8, 2022, a traffic stop was made on a vehicle driven by McClain, who was later transported to his residence where a search warrant was executed. McClain was found to be in possession of heroin mixed with protonitazene and marijuana, various drug paraphernalia, and over $15,000 in cash.

As part of the investigation, witnesses provided RPD with information demonstrating that McClain was accountable for distributing over 24,000 grams of heroin over a two-year period.

The Government argued for and received an enhanced sentence because McClain was found to be intimidating witnesses before sentencing.

In five calls recorded between March 1 and March 29, McClain directed an associate to contact two confidential informants expected to provide evidence at his sentencing hearing.

Although McClain and the associate used code, it was clear from the calls that McClain was directing him to approach, or have someone else approach, the witnesses to ensure they did not testify, discussing during the calls that the Government could not tie drug weight to him without their testimony. In one call, McClain directed the associate to “…shut them arcade games off.” In another, McClain said, “Yeah, without they testimony, they… can’t do s#!@…” The associate confirmed, “You ain’t got to worry about seeing them anyway…” In many of the calls, the associate confirmed that he or one of his “boys” had made contact with the witnesses.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Judge James C. Dever III. The Raleigh Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.

Outcome:

Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: