CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to 25-30 years in prison on drug trafficking charges after leading police on a high-speed vehicle chase in 2023.
Carlton Deprece Thomas was convicted on Thursday, April 11th following a three-day jury trial.
On January 10th, 2023, deputies attempted to pull Thomas over for going 105 MPH in a 65 MPH zone on I-85 South.
Thomas refused to stop and led police on a 12-mile chase while reaching a top speed of over 125 MPH. Authorities used “stop sticks” to puncture the tires on Thomas’ vehicle, ending the chase.
While deputies attempted a “PIT maneuver,” Thomas was seen throwing bags containing white powder out his window. Thomas was arrested and was found to be driving on a revoked license, officials said.
Police searched the nearby area and Thomas’ vehicle and found multiple bags containing narcotics, officials said. One bag on the driver-side floorboard contained 36 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Thomas was convicted on the following charges:
- Trafficking in Fentanyl by Possession
- Trafficking in Fentanyl by Transportation
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transportation
- Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest
He will also be required to pay $550,000 in fines.
