Maine Four, Fentanyl Trafficking, Maine 2023

BANGOR, Maine - A northern Maine drug trafficking ring has been dealt a major blow as four individuals from the state were sentenced in separate hearings at the U.S. District Court in Bangor for their roles in the conspiracy.

The four defendants, who were part of a larger group of 21 individuals charged in this and related cases, were sentenced to varying lengths of prison time and supervised release.

John Miller, 24, of Caribou, was sentenced to 54 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Miller pleaded guilty on April 19, 2023, to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Jason Cunrod, 42, of Caribou, was sentenced to 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Cunrod pleaded guilty on August 29, 2023, to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Joshua Young, 48, of Presque Isle, was sentenced to time served (approximately 62 days), followed by three years of supervised release to include 24 months of home detention. Young pleaded guilty on April 26, 2023, to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Carol Gordon, 53, of Bangor, was sentenced to time served (approximately 30 months and 25 days), followed by three years of supervised release to include six months of community confinement. Gordon pleaded guilty on March 14, 2023, to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, the conspiracy involved the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties and elsewhere between January 2018 and December 2021. The defendants used coded language and social media to arrange the distribution of the drugs.

The investigation was carried out by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with assistance from local police departments.

The case is part of a larger effort to combat the opioid epidemic in Maine and across the country.

The 20 remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing, with some scheduled to appear in court as early as May 2025.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/four-sentenced-roles-penobscot-and-aroostook-county-drug-trafficking-ring