D.C. Man Given 8-Year Sentence for Drug Trafficking

Darae Vaughn, a 31-year-old resident of the District of Columbia, has been sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for his involvement in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy. Vaughn's sentencing took place in the U. S.

District Court, where he was held accountable for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine in Northeast D. C. , according to an announcement by U.

S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Vaughn, also known as "Rae," pleaded guilty on June 30, 2026, to several charges, including conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and distribution and possession of 10 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to his prison sentence, Vaughn will serve five years of supervised release, as ordered by Judge Trevor N. McFadden.

Investigation and Arrest

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation in March 2025 into narcotics trafficking activities on the 2000 block of 19th Place SE. The investigation focused on counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills and uncovered that Vaughn was involved in selling hundreds of fentanyl pills and quantities of crack cocaine, carfentanyl, and methamphetamine while armed with a Glock 43x pistol. These transactions occurred from at least April 2025 through September 2025, during nine recorded sales.

Codefendant Charles Dixon was also implicated in the conspiracy. In January 2025, Dixon and Vaughn exchanged text messages discussing pills supplied by Vaughn, leading to disagreements over the quantity owed. Dixon participated in the sale of 96 fentanyl pills on April 8, 2025, and was involved in the sale of 163 fentanyl pills on July 3, 2025. Dixon was sentenced on October 6 to 33 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

Broader Efforts Against Drug Trafficking

The investigation and prosecution were conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office and handled by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Kate Naseef.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s broader initiative to combat fentanyl trafficking and drug-related violence in the District of Columbia. Fentanyl is recognized as one of the deadliest substances in the illegal drug supply, and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl pose significant risks to users and the community.

U. S. Attorney Pirro emphasized the dangers posed by Vaughn's actions, stating, “Darae Vaughn trafficked fentanyl and crack cocaine while armed, putting lives at risk.

Now he’s going to prison for eight years. If you push deadly drugs into our community while armed, you will be held accountable. You will go to prison.

”

The case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address the challenges posed by the distribution of dangerous narcotics and to ensure community safety.