Evergreen Reporter

A federal jury has convicted Demarkee Rayheem Midgette, a 28-year-old man from Harnett County, on drug trafficking and firearm charges. The conviction follows an incident where Midgette led police on a high-speed chase before abandoning his vehicle. He was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Midgette could face up to life in prison upon sentencing.

“This armed drug trafficker fled from police in a high-speed chase at great risk to the public and his juvenile passenger,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Guns, drugs, and kids don’t mix. The potential sentence this drug trafficker faces is evidence of that.”

Chief Tim Smith of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department commended his officers for their handling of the incident. “I want to commend the officers of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for their vigilance and professionalism in handling this incident, demonstrating exceptional police work from start to finish. I also extend my gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney's Office for their outstanding partnership in this case. Our successful collaboration sends a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated,” he stated.

Court records indicate that a Fuquay Varina Police officer observed Midgette’s vehicle traveling on US-401 with a missing headlight. Upon smelling marijuana emanating from the car, the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop using emergency lights and siren; however, Midgette did not comply and continued driving at high speeds while committing multiple traffic violations. Eventually slowing down near a subdivision, both Midgette and his juvenile passenger fled on foot but left the vehicle running.

Midgette was apprehended wearing distinctive clothing—a red jacket and black shorts—and was later identified as the driver. His juvenile passenger approached officers voluntarily and claimed that the vehicle belonged to his uncle.

A subsequent search revealed various controlled substances including marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, mushrooms, as well as drug paraphernalia and two firearms: a Taurus 1911 pistol and a stolen Glock Model 17 9mm pistol. Ammunition matching one of these firearms was found in the passenger’s pocket while nearly $1,000 in cash was discovered on Midgette.

Michael Easley announced the verdict following its acceptance by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The case is being investigated by both the Fuquay Varina Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Kimberly Dixon leading prosecution efforts.

Further information related to this case can be accessed through PACER by searching Case No.:5:24-CR-00079-BO-KS or via documents available on the website for U.S District Court for Eastern District North Carolina.