Machine Gun-Toting Fentanyl Kingpin Bartwone Copeland Sentenced to 12 Years

WASHINGTON – Bartwone Copeland, a high-ranking member of the notorious ‘No Rats Allowed’ crew, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a string of violent crimes, including the possession of a machine gun and the distribution of fentanyl.

A 28-year-old resident of Southwest Washington, D.C., Copeland pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia on December 4, 2023, to three separate charges: unlawful possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

According to court documents, Copeland’s ‘No Rats Allowed’ crew used townhouses on the 200 block of K Street SW as stash locations for narcotics and firearms. The crew’s operations were led by Copeland, who sold controlled substances, including crack-cocaine and marijuana, but primarily focused on pills laced with fentanyl that he had arranged to be shipped to the District from California.

At the time of his two arrests, Copeland was found in possession of Glock 23 .40 caliber handguns with obliterated serial numbers and extended magazines. In one of the arrests, police recovered a fully automatic machine gun that could fire 20 shots with the single pull of a trigger.

In addition to the 144-month prison term, the Honorable Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Copeland to serve five years of supervised release. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Copeland’s extensive criminal history includes a previous conviction, and his arrest records reveal a pattern of violence and intimidation. In one instance, Copeland was found in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which he had used to threaten and intimidate others.

Despite his efforts to evade law enforcement, Copeland’s crimes ultimately led to his downfall. His conviction serves as a reminder that those who engage in violent crimes will be held accountable for their actions.

Bartwone Copeland, 28, of Southwest Washington, D.C. was sentenced to 12 years in prison for possession of a machine gun and distribution of fentanyl.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said, ‘The sentence in this case reflects the gravity of the defendant’s crimes and the need to hold him accountable for his actions.’

Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department added, ‘This conviction is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers and partners in law enforcement.’