Trevon Palmer, 30, has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for his involvement with the “21st and Vietnam” drug trafficking group in Northeast Washington. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Palmer pleaded guilty on September 12, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl and aggravated assault while armed. In addition to his prison sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release as ordered by Judge Beryl A. Howell.
The case involved several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department. According to court documents, the crew operated an open-air drug market near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue NE and used an apartment building on I Street as their base.
Authorities reported that Palmer was a leading seller within the organization. Between late November 2023 and March 2024, he sold about 300 grams of fentanyl over 12 transactions to undercover agents. He also distributed crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
On April 19, 2024, Palmer and co-defendant Briyon Shuford targeted members of a rival group in a drive-by shooting along Mt. Olivet Road NE, injuring four people near a convenience store. Shuford received a sentence of more than 13 years for his role in both drug conspiracy and the shooting.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies working together through specialized task forces focused on violent crime suppression and narcotics trafficking. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel prosecuted the case.
