Five Sentenced in Virginia Drug Distribution Case

Five individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries, Virginia. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the sentences, which include lengthy prison terms for distributing fentanyl and cocaine.

Rashard Perrish Smith, 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, received a sentence of 18 years and four months for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. His co-defendant, Joshua Roderick, 41, of Alexandria, was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months on September 18. Both men were involved in drug sales at the Red Carpet Inn, a location known for narcotics and commercial sex activities.

The Red Carpet Inn was operated by Kosha Sharma, 53, and her husband Tarun Sharma, 55, who directed illegal activities to the hotel's third floor. The Sharmas pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and managing a drug-involved premises. Kosha Sharma was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months, while Tarun Sharma received a seven-year sentence. Both are illegally present in the United States and will be turned over to ICE after serving their sentences.

Margo Waldon Pierce, 51, was also implicated in the conspiracy. She pled guilty to distributing approximately 280.69 grams of fentanyl to undercover officers during controlled operations conducted by the FBI, Virginia State Police, and Prince William County Police. Pierce was sentenced to four years in prison on September 10.

The investigation revealed that Smith and Roderick sold narcotics to women engaging in commercial sex at the hotel, often in exchange for a portion of their earnings. The operations at the Red Carpet Inn led to multiple overdoses, including two fatal incidents in 2025.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Megan Braun and Catherine Rosenberg, with assistance from the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force.

The sentences were handed down by U. S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U. S.

Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, along with Jeffrey L. Tyler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division, Col. Jeffrey S.

Katz, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, and Col. Peter Newsham, Chief of Prince William County Police, announced the sentences. The case documents are available on the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia's website or through PACER under Case No.

1-26-cr-30.