ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Harnett County man on drug trafficking and firearm charges after he led police on a high-speed chase and then abandoned his still running vehicle. Demarkee Rayheem Midgette, age 28, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Midgette faces up to life in prison when sentenced.
“This armed drug trafficker fled from police in a high-speed chase at great risk to the public and his juvenile passenger,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Guns, drugs, and kids don’t mix. The potential sentence this drug trafficker faces is evidence of that.”
“I want to commend the officers of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for their vigilance and professionalism in handling this incident, demonstrating exceptional police work from start to finish. I also extend my gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office for their outstanding partnership in this case. Our successful collaboration sends a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated,” said Chief Tim Smith of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, a Fuquay Varina Police officer noticed a car that appeared to be missing a headlight traveling on US 401. The officer followed the vehicle for a period of time and smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. At that time, the officer initiated his emergency lights and siren, however the vehicle failed to pull over. Instead, the vehicle continued to travel at high speeds, running a stop sign and leaving its lane multiple times.
As the vehicle reached a subdivision, it slowed down and the driver and passenger fled the vehicle on foot while leaving the vehicle running. The driver was observed to be wearing a red jacket and black shorts and the officer continued his pursuit on foot and notified other responding officers of the driver’s location. The driver, later identified as Midgette, was arrested. Another juvenile male, identified as the passenger, approached officers, and volunteered that the vehicle belonged to his uncle.
A search of the vehicle found marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, and two guns, including a Taurus 1911 and a Glock Model 17, 9 mm pistol. The Glock was later determined to be stolen. Ammunition matching the Taurus 1911 was found in the passenger’s pocket. Midgette was found with cocaine and nearly $1,000 in cash in his jacket. Midgette has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and drug possession.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The Fuquay Varina Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Kimberly Dixon are prosecuting the case.
