Cheerish Noel Taylor and Robert James Fischer, Fentanyl Trafficking, Virginia 2023

A Phoenix Couple's Darknet Scheme Exposed

Alexandria, Va. - Cheerish Noel Taylor, 36, and Robert James Fischer, 35, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and other illegal drugs over the darknet.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, from January 2021 through May 2023, the couple operated under the darknet monikers 'SafeServe,' 'Sky_HIGH,' and others across multiple darknet markets.

On these markets, Taylor and Fischer advertised and sold various controlled substances, including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, Xanax, Adderall, suboxone, and counterfeit pills that contained para-fluorofentanyl, a dangerous fentanyl analogue.

During the course of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators made over 1,100 sales of controlled substances over the darknet using these accounts.

Taylor and Fischer sold counterfeit oxycodone pills, which they marketed as 'pressed m30s' and 'blues,' knowing that they did not contain oxycodone, and instead contained fentanyl or a fentanyl analogue.

The couple shipped controlled substances nationwide through the United States Postal Service, attempting to disguise the controlled substances within packages amidst dollar-store goods, such as children's stickers, beads, birthday cards, and seasonal gift items.

Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. Fischer is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2024, and also faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/two-darknet-vendors-plead-guilty-trafficking-fentanyl-and-other-illegal-drugs