Crime
Fentanyl trafficker and D.C. rapper Columbian Thomas aka Cruddy Murda sentenced to 13 years in federal prison
WASHINGTON — Columbian Thomas, a 26-year-old Washington D.C. rapper known as “Cruddy Murda,” has been sentenced to 160 months in federal prison for his involvement in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
The conspiracy involved the distribution of hundreds of thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl across the United States, including the District of Columbia.
Thomas’s sentencing is a result of an investigation launched following the tragic overdose death of Diamond Lynch, a young mother from Southeast D.C.
Law enforcement agencies uncovered a complex network of traffickers transporting fentanyl from Mexico to Southern California and ultimately to the District of Columbia.
This investigation has led to the arrest of over two dozen individuals involved in the conspiracy, operating across multiple states.
Thomas pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl. He frequently traveled to Southern California to obtain counterfeit oxycodone pills from a known supplier and subsequently transported them back to Washington D.C. Thomas often flaunted his involvement in drug trafficking on social media.
On June 2, 2023, law enforcement arrested Thomas, seizing approximately 100 blue M-30 fentanyl pills and a loaded Glock 21 Gen4 pistol equipped with a “giggle switch.” Since the initiation of the investigation, authorities have seized over 450,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms from the traffickers involved.
The scale of this fentanyl trafficking operation highlights the significant threat it poses to communities nationwide. Many unsuspecting individuals have fallen victim to the deadly consequences of counterfeit drugs.
Columbian Thomas is not the only individual facing charges in connection with this conspiracy. Other co-defendants include:
- Hector David Valdez (26, California): Conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and money laundering.
- Craig Eastman (20, Washington, D.C.): Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, with sentencing scheduled for January 7, 2025.
- Raymond Nava, Jr. (20, California): Sentenced to 14 years for similar charges.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.