D.C. Crew Member & Self-Proclaimed “Neighborhood Pharmacist” Convicted

Monday, December 2, 2024, 6:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Last Tuesday, following a jury trial in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, a 26-year-old Washington, D.C. man was found guilty of multiple illicit narcotics offenses in connection with a years-long drug trafficking and distribution conspiracy.

     According to U.S. Matthew M. Graves, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, following a six-day trial, a federal jury found Kenneth Josiah Hampton, 26, of Washington, D.C., guilty of Conspiring to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Oxycodone; Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

Hampton Faces Up To Life In Federal Prison

     On Tuesday, following the jury’s return of their findings of guilt, U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta accepted the verdict and filed it with the court. Judge Mehta scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2025, at which time Hampton faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in federal prison on his conviction.

     According to evidence presented at trial, during an ongoing investigation, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives identified Hampton, also known as “Carti Ears,” as an opioid and marijuana dealer operating in the District of Columbia. On October 31, 2022, federal agents obtained and executed a court-authorized search warrant at Hampton’s residence, which he shared with his co-conspirator, Myles Allen. 

     During the search, agents located and seized three firearms, numerous prescription oxycodone pills, fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills, promethazine, several pounds of marijuana, and several thousands of dollars in U.S. currency, in denominations consistent with illicit narcotics distribution.

     Further evidence presented at trial established that Hampton was a prolific drug trafficker who utilized social media platforms to conduct his narcotics distribution operation. Both Hampton and Allen posted numerous pictures of themselves together with large amounts of cash, firearms, and pounds of marijuana. Hampton referred to himself on social media as “The Neighborhood Pharmacist,” uploading posts, frequently advertising about the opioids he possessed for sale.

     On August 31, 2023, Hampton’s co-conspirator pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and was sentenced, on December 20, 2023, to five years in federal prison.