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.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.