Arthur Alexander McQueen, Jr., also known as “Tubb,” 36, was sentenced on Feb. 9 to 292 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and to 120
months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm to run concurrently with his conviction for the drug trafficking charge.

Sandra J. Hairston, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement.

According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte, along with the Albemarle Police Department and the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a controlled drug purchase on May 20, 2021 between McQueen and a confidential informant (CI). The CI contacted McQueen and arranged to purchase 500 grams of fentanyl for $25,000 at a location in Forsyth County.

McQueen was surveilled leaving a residence in Guilford County to meet the CI in Forsyth County. After the transaction, officers confiscated the suspected fentanyl. Laboratory tests conducted by the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Patrol confirmed that the contents were 525.1 grams of a fentanyl.

On June 7, 2021, investigators obtained a search warrant for McQueen’s Guilford County residence.

The warrant was executed on June 8, 2021 and officers seized a stolen FN Herstal 5.7 caliber handgun with a large capacity magazine, a large quantity of U.S. currency, various drug paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution, several bags of suspected fentanyl, and a bag containing suspected crack cocaine.

Later laboratory testing confirmed that these suspected controlled substances amounted to 4.109 kilograms of fentanyl and 26.76 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine). McQueen was found in the master bedroom trying to dispose of fentanyl in the toilet and bathtub and was arrested.

Following his arrest, McQueen consented to an interview and made incriminating statements to investigators regarding his distribution of controlled substances and his purchase of the firearm.

At the time of the offenses, McQueen had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses related to drug distribution in Forsyth County.

“Thankfully, this trafficker’s poison was not able to reach the streets and destroy countless lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Martinez, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our special agents and officers with the Albemarle Police Department, Davie County Sheriff’s Office and federal prosecutors, we have ensured that McQueen is being held fully accountable.”

“The results of this case will have a major impact on the community and ATF was proud to be a part of this collaborative effort,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Vince Pallozzi. “Removing these dangerous, repeat offenders is a critical step towards improving public safety throughout the area.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Craig M. Principe. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Division, Homeland Security Investigation Southeast Regional Special Response Team, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Charlotte Division, Albemarle Police Department, Davie County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth County Drug Task Force and Guilford County SWAT were involved in the investigation of the case.