WILMINGTON — A Wilmington-based United Blood Nation gang member was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on two counts of distribution of fentanyl by Judge Louise W. Flanagan.
Maurice McKeithan, 25, pled guilty to the charges on December 16, 2025 after an investigation conducted by the Wilmington Police Department and a team from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Both agencies collaborated and made several controlled purchases of fentanyl in the city, and footage shows McKeithan carrying a firearm.
McKeithan had prior convictions related to drug trafficking and use of a dangerous weapon from 2012, 2015 and 2019. During the time of the most recent offenses, he was on probation for felony fleeing to elude law enforcement.
“This offender’s involvement in violent crime and drug trafficking posed a serious threat to our community. Thanks to the outstanding work of Wilmington Police Department officers, ATF agents, and federal prosecutors, he will now serve a significant prison sentence,” Chief Ryan Zuidema said in a press release. “This case highlights the strength of our local and federal partnerships and our shared commitment to holding violent offenders accountable. We will continue working aggressively with our law enforcement partners to protect our residents, enhance public safety, and ensure those who endanger our community are brought to justice.”
The investigation was a part of Operation Counterpunch which is a Homeland Security Task Force initiative. It was established by a presidential executive order that, among targeting foreign criminal gangs, also prosecutes drug trafficking.
“The outcome of this case demonstrates that those who threaten the safety of our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones said. “The collaborative efforts among law enforcement partners, and the focus and objective of the Homeland Security Task Force, have been invaluable in helping to identify, apprehend and prosecute the violent groups and individuals that jeopardize our public safety.”
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