North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Goldsboro, NC pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Charles Triplin, age 45, of Goldsboro, NC, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment, before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about June 21, 2021, Triplin attempted to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Triplin.