Roanoke man pleads guilty to distributing fentanyl and selling firearms to a convicted felon
Roanoke, Virginia – A 19-year-old Roanoke man, Julius Frederick Muse, III, pled guilty last week to multiple federal charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm transactions. These charges stemmed from Muse’s involvement in the straw purchase of a firearm, the sale of fentanyl pills, and the illegal sale of several firearms, including a ‘ghost gun,’ to a confidential informant.
Muse admitted guilt to four counts of selling firearms to another person, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that person was a convicted felon. Additionally, he pled guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of aiding and abetting a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer, and one count of knowingly possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
The charges against Muse are serious and carry significant legal consequences. As part of the plea agreement, both the prosecution and the defense have recommended a sentencing range between 70 and 108 months. However, the final sentence will be determined by the court at a later date.
Straw Purchase and Firearm Sales
The case against Muse began in December 2022, when he orchestrated the straw purchase of an AR-style pistol by providing cash and marijuana as payment to another individual who falsely completed ATF Form 4473 to acquire the firearm. Shortly after, Muse sold four pressed fentanyl pills and two firearms to a confidential informant. Within a span of eight days, he sold an additional 27 pressed fentanyl pills and a Polymer 80 privately-made firearm, commonly known as a ‘ghost gun,’ to the same informant. Muse claimed the ‘ghost gun’ was “untraceable.”
Muse’s illegal activities continued as he sold the informant four more firearms, including another AR-pattern pistol. At the time of these transactions, Muse was aware, or had reason to believe, that the informant was a convicted felon who was legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Law Enforcement Response and Prosecution
In March 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at Muse’s apartment, where they found a 9mm Hi-Point pistol with an obliterated serial number, among other incriminating items. This discovery further solidified the case against Muse, highlighting his involvement in the illegal firearm trade and his disregard for federal laws governing firearm possession.
The successful investigation and subsequent prosecution of Muse were led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional support from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee S. Brett is handling the prosecution for the United States.
Muse’s actions represent a serious threat to public safety, and his guilty plea marks a crucial step in addressing the illegal flow of drugs and firearms in the Roanoke community. As the legal process continues, the court will determine the appropriate sentence, bringing this case closer to a conclusion.
