An Elizabeth City man, Rashawn M. Baum, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The sentencing took place after Baum pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025.
Court records indicate that officers from the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement and Elizabeth City Police Department observed Baum driving erratically. When they attempted a traffic stop, Baum fled, leading to a brief pursuit that ended when he collided with two vehicles near a family restaurant. Baum and a passenger attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended.
In Baum’s vehicle, law enforcement discovered a green Crown Royal bag containing ten bindles of fentanyl. A .357 semi-automatic pistol was also recovered at the scene.
U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever III imposed the sentence, stating that “fentanyl is destroying thousands of lives.” He noted that the sentence reflected Baum’s choice to distribute drugs rather than seek legitimate employment. The sentence will commence after Baum completes an unrelated state sentence in 2031.
Elizabeth City Chief of Police Eddie Graham emphasized the negative impact of drugs on communities and families, asserting that such conduct “will no longer be tolerated.”
Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar highlighted the devastating effects of fentanyl and opioids in North Carolina communities and affirmed the commitment of his office and law enforcement partners to prosecute offenders.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, and Elizabeth City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Aubart and Logan Liles prosecuted the case.
Further details can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or PACER under Case No.5:24-CR-182.
