Maurice Tutt, a 52-year-old resident of the District of Columbia, was sentenced on Mar. 19 in U.S. District Court to 20 months in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in Southeast Washington, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case centers on drug distribution activities at the Potomac Gardens Housing Project, where Tutt played a role in obtaining and selling large quantities of fentanyl pills and other drugs. The sentencing also includes three years of supervised release following his prison term.
“Maurice Tutt bought fentanyl pills by the hundreds and sold them on the streets of Washington. Each one of those pills was a potential death sentence for someone’s child, parent, or neighbor,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He knew the harm he was causing—and did it anyway. Now he will answer for it.”
Court documents show that Tutt conspired with another individual to acquire blue fentanyl pills—referred to as “blues”—and redistribute them within the city. Investigators used court-authorized wiretaps to capture detailed communications between Tutt and his co-conspirator about pill quantities, pricing, and delivery logistics throughout several months in 2024.
Tutt’s arrest took place on Oct. 16, 2024, when law enforcement recovered evidence from his apartment including a digital scale commonly used in drug trafficking operations.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: the FBI Washington Field Office led efforts with support from local police departments across D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Solomon S. Eppel and Nihar Mohanty prosecuted the case.
This sentencing highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts targeting drug distribution networks operating within public housing communities.
