Lynchburg Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Directing Drug Trafficking Operation While Incarcerated

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Lynchburg, Va. man, who used friends and family members to help him distribute more than a kilogram of fentanyl while he was incarcerated at the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center, was sentenced yesterday to more than 21 years in federal prison.

Tremon Jaquil Burford, 31, pled guilty on July 10, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

“We are committed to enhancing cooperative relationships with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to eradicate the clear and present fentanyl threat to our citizens and communities. I commend Chief Edwards, the Lynchburg Police Department, and ATF for their outstanding work ensuring clear accountability in this case,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci.

“The success of this case was built on collaboration, trust, and the collective determination of multiple law enforcement agencies working toward a common goal,” said Lynchburg Police Chief Edwards. “Our partnership with federal investigators strengthened this operation from start to finish and sends a clear message that criminal organizations targeting our community will face a coordinated and relentless response.”

“Fentanyl trafficking continues to devastate our communities, destroying families and ultimately fueling violence and addiction,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Samuel Ward.  Today’s sentence demonstrates our unwavering commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and narcotics trafficking. ATF will continue identifying and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for distributing this deadly poison throughout our neighborhoods while holding those responsible fully accountable for their actions.” 

According to court documents, from approximately February 2023 to November 2023, Burford headed an organization that trafficked tens of thousands of pressed fentanyl pills in the Lynchburg area while he was incarcerated at the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center awaiting trial on gang and firearm charges.

Burford was able to accomplish this using a network of co-conspirators outside of the jail— predominantly women with little to no criminal history, including his own relatives. These co-conspirators held controlled substances and money for him, communicated with suppliers and customers, and delivered drugs and drug proceeds at Burford’s direction.

Even following his conviction in this matter, Burford continued his brazen criminal activity. On September 8, 2025, he slipped a correctional officer a note offering him $2,500 to smuggle Suboxone strips into the jail.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lynchburg Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant United States Attorneys Lee Brett and Kelly McGann prosecuted the case.