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.
GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting reported in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after an incident in which a suspect allegedly crashed a vehicle into a law enforcement agent.
Preliminary reports indicate that one suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was transported under a Priority B medical status.
Emergency medical services also responded to assist a law enforcement agent who reported neck pain; a second EMS unit was requested to provide additional medical evaluation and care.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including what prompted the vehicle collision and the use of force, have not yet been fully detailed by authorities.
Police have confirmed that the scene was secured, and standard investigative protocols for officer-involved shootings have been initiated.
No further information regarding the identities of those involved or the suspect’s condition has been released at this time.
Officials stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation continues.