A South Portland man, Lynel Moultrie, pleaded guilty on Mar. 12 in U.S. District Court in Portland to distributing controlled substances.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking in the region. According to court records, an undercover agent with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency posed as a drug runner and purchased cocaine from Moultrie, age 43, on at least three occasions during February and March 2024. Investigators conducted surveillance and recorded these transactions.
Moultrie now faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release. Sentencing will take place after the U.S. Probation Office completes a presentence investigative report. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, South Portland Police Department, and Gorham Police Department.
This case reflects continued collaboration among local and federal authorities in combating illegal drug distribution.