Trevon Fairfax, Drug & Gun Conspiracy, DC 2023

WASHINGTON D.C. – Trevon Fairfax, 28, of Rockville, Maryland, will spend the next 70 months in federal prison after admitting to a central role in a violent drug trafficking operation that plagued the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Fairfax, known on the streets as “Trizz,” pleaded guilty last October to conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, along with oxycodone and codeine, and to being a convicted felon illegally possessing a firearm.

The sentencing, handed down by Judge Amy Berman Jackson, marks a significant victory for a joint task force comprised of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The investigation, spanning from June 2018 through April 2021, exposed a ruthless “street crew” that carved out drug dealing territory on Trenton Place SE, defending it with intimidation and gunfire.

Prosecutors presented evidence detailing how Fairfax not only distributed bulk marijuana but actively served as an armed enforcer for the operation. The crew maintained control of their territory through the constant threat – and frequent use – of firearms. Fairfax confessed to firing a 9mm handgun at an SUV driving through the territory on April 12, 2020, alongside a co-conspirator. The resulting barrage wounded the driver, causing a crash, but the victim managed to flee the scene.

This wasn’t a passive defense; it was a deliberate attempt to maintain a monopoly on the drug trade. The ATF and FBI agents seized over 34 pounds of marijuana, 16 firearms, and more than $270,000 in cash as part of the larger investigation that snared more than a dozen individuals. Fairfax’s arrest on April 22, 2021, ended his reign of terror, and he’s remained in custody ever since.

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves praised the collaborative effort of the law enforcement agencies involved, highlighting the dedication of Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson, who spearheaded the prosecution. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who traffic drugs and use firearms to protect their illegal activities will be held accountable,” Graves stated. Fairfax will face four years of supervised release following his prison term.

Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Sarah Linden, ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, and Interim MPD Chief Ashan Benedict echoed Graves’ sentiments, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation in dismantling violent criminal enterprises that threaten the safety of the District of Columbia. The case underscores the deadly intersection of drug trafficking and gun violence plaguing many American cities.

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