CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. — A North Carolina man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after his arrest in Caroline County, Virginia, on charges of drug trafficking. The sentence comes after state troopers discovered thousands of baggies of fentanyl and parafluorofentanyl in his vehicle during a traffic stop in September 2023.
Jaron James Starkey, 35, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was convicted of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and parafluorofentanyl, two highly potent opioids. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the drugs were found scattered throughout Starkey’s damaged Jeep after he crashed it on Interstate 95.
The incident began on September 17, 2023, when multiple 911 calls were made by drivers reporting erratic driving along southbound I-95 in Caroline County. State troopers responded to the area and located Starkey, who was alone in the vehicle. Upon arrival, officers observed that Starkey appeared disoriented, with bloodshot eyes and incoherent speech. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
While investigating the scene, troopers discovered approximately 4,497 baggies of parafluorofentanyl and 120 baggies of fentanyl, with the total weight of the parafluorofentanyl exceeding 122 grams. Both substances are highly dangerous synthetic opioids, known to be significantly more potent than heroin.
Starkey, after being read his Miranda rights, admitted to traveling from Charlotte to Wilmington, Delaware, where he had purchased the drugs for the purpose of distributing them. His criminal record, which includes 21 prior convictions, led the DOJ to classify him as a “career criminal.” Starkey has previously faced charges related to drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
The sentencing of Starkey underscores the ongoing threat posed by the opioid crisis, particularly the spread of fentanyl and its analogs. Law enforcement officials praised the quick response of Virginia State Police, noting that the discovery of such a large stash of illegal opioids could have prevented further harm to communities across the region.
Starkey’s conviction highlights the federal government’s continued efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and hold traffickers accountable for their role in fueling the crisis.
