Fentanyl Hidden in Ironing Board Leads to 15-Year Federal Sentence for Raleigh Man

NCDPS

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced a Raleigh man, Joshua McClain, 31, to spend more than 15 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine out of a Cary hotel room.

“Fentanyl traffickers take lives across our communities, and dealers like McClain – who repeatedly return to this trade – fuel that crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of his conduct and reinforces our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the public and hold repeat offenders accountable.”

According to court documents, investigators began surveilling McClain in January 2024 after observing suspected drug activity at a Raleigh motel. Officers saw a vehicle leaving the motel after a suspected drug deal and stopped it a short time later. The driver of the vehicle was identified as McClain, and officers confirmed he had several outstanding warrants. During the search, officers found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

Following his release on bond, McClain returned to the Cary hotel where he had been staying. Staff inspecting the room found multiple bags of narcotics hidden inside the lining of an ironing board. The substances included fentanyl, ANPP—a chemical precursor used to make fentanyl—and other controlled substances.

In March 2024, while being processed at the Wake County Detention Center, officers again discovered even more drugs McClain had concealed on his body, including additional fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aria Q. Merle prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Cary Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-00340.