Crofton Fentanyl Dealer Receives 25 Years In Prison

CROFTON, MD — Crofton resident Michael Matthews will serve 25 years in prison for drug trafficking, according to Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

Leitess announced Thursday Matthews was sentenced to 40 years, but will serve 25 years of active incarceration in prison for the use of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute a fentanyl mix and possession of a large amount of fentanyl.

On Feb. 4, members of the Eastern District Tactical Narcotics Team from the Anne Arundel County Police Department executed a search warrant at a home in the 900 block of Eastham Court in Crofton.

Matthews was seen leaving the residence when police officers arrived at the scene. The officers found a total of 142.31 grams of fentanyl/acetyl fentanyl with a street value $14,231, 29.21 grams of cocaine with a street value of $2,921 and over $20,000 in cash in a bedroom.

Two cellphones and a loaded handgun were also found in the house. During the investigation, officers discovered Matthews is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms.

The 42-year-old pled guilty to the charges on June 30, 2021.

“Sadly, the distribution of illicit drugs continues to plague our communities and with the introduction of fentanyl, a substance used to increase the potency of other illegal drugs, comes a higher risk of death from overdose,” Leitess said. “With this verdict, Matthews will no longer be able to peddle this deadly substance in our neighborhoods and will be held accountable for his crimes.”