Leon Henderson, Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2023

Seattle Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

A 34-year-old Seattle resident, Leon Henderson, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for three counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Henderson was arrested by Seattle Police on January 25, May 5, and September 13, 2023, each time in possession of over a thousand fentanyl pills. On two of the arrests, he had loaded firearms. A jury convicted Henderson in November 2025, following a three-day trial.

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead noted that Henderson knew he was dealing to homeless addicts who would struggle to resist the temptation. "The numbers in this case speak volumes," Mr. Henderson had "over 18,000 fentanyl pills, 220 grams of fentanyl powder, and 700 grams of methamphetamine." Selling the fentanyl pills for "a dollar per pill," he could have caused "18,000 potential overdoses in our community." Judge Whitehead said.

"This case exemplifies the effort federal law enforcement is making around crime hotspots in our city, such as the North Aurora emphasis area," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. "The FBI and Seattle Police Department identified this area as one where federal attention could make a difference. This case took significant deadly drugs, firearms, and a habitual criminal off the street."

Henderson’s crimes result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years: ten years for drug possession counts and a consecutive five years for each of the drug-related firearm counts. The jury also found that Henderson illegally possessed the firearms due to his previous felony convictions for promoting prostitution and felony harassment.

Henderson’s previous conviction for promoting prostitution was particularly alarming, as he forced the victim to work as a sex worker by injecting her with heroin and threatening her with death. Each time Henderson was arrested, he was with a different female companion, who were allegedly involved in prostitution or reported as missing persons.

Henderson’s DNA was found on the pistol and a second gun found in a bag with narcotics. The first female companion was allegedly involved in prostitution, and the third female companion had been reported as a missing person in Clallam County.

According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Henderson’s crimes include:

• Three counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute
• Two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm

Henderson was arrested on:

• January 25, 2023
• May 5, 2023
• September 13, 2023

A total of over 18,000 fentanyl pills, 220 grams of fentanyl powder, and 700 grams of methamphetamine were seized from Henderson during his arrests.

Henderson had $2770 cash in his pocket during one of his arrests.

The FBI and Seattle Police Department worked together to identify and prosecute Henderson, who was found to have a history of violent and dangerous behavior.

"This case is a prime example of the federal government’s commitment to holding those responsible for violent and destructive crimes accountable," said FBI Special Agent W. Mike Herrington.

The case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.

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