Skip to main content
Press Release

Durham Woman Convicted of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Resulting in Death and Other Drug and Firearms Offenses

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of North Carolina

GREENSBORO - A jury in federal district court convicted CARLISA RENEA ALLEN today of multiple drug charges and illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston of the Middle District of North Carolina. 

According to court documents, ALLEN, age 46, was initially indicted on March 28, 2023, and was tried on charges in a third Superseding Indictment filed October 30, 2023. ALLEN was charged in Count One with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, resulting in death; in Count Two, with distribution of cocaine hydrochloride; in Count Three with possession with intent to distribute cocaine; in Count Four with possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; and in Count Five with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence at trial showed that the death of Joshua Skip Zinner on or about March 9, 2023, resulted from the use of cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl distributed in furtherance of the conspiracy.

A jury convicted ALLEN on all counts of the third Superseding Indictment after a four-day trial. At sentencing, ALLEN faces a term of imprisonment of 25 years to life, not less than 4 years of supervised release, and fines, restitution, and forfeiture. Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2024, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. in Greensboro.

ALLEN’s co-defendant, CYE LEANCE FRASIER, pleaded guilty on October 25, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, resulting in death.  FRASIER faces a term of imprisonment of twenty years to life.  His sentencing is set for January 31, 2024, in Greensboro.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Durham Police Department, Duke University Police Department, Raleigh Police Department, Raleigh/Wake County City-County Bureau of Identification, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Cary Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. DeFranco and Tracy Williams-Durham.

###

Updated November 17, 2023