Washington man accused of having enough fentanyl to kill 278,000 people after getting clemency from Dem gov

Percy Levy, a 54-year-old man from Washington, made headlines in 2023 when he was arrested on multiple drug and weapons charges, marking a stark turn of events in a life that had seemingly turned a corner. Despite his recent troubles with the law, Levy had been a beacon of redemption, dedicating his life to criminal justice reform and community advocacy after being granted clemency by former Governor Jay Inslee in 2019. His arrest shockingly juxtaposed his efforts to rebuild his life, raising questions about the complexities of redemption and the challenges of overcoming a troubled past.

The arrest was the culmination of a 16-month investigation led by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, highlighting the severity of the charges against Levy. He was apprehended during a routine traffic stop in Everett, where authorities subsequently executed a search warrant on his residence. The raid uncovered a significant stash of illegal substances, including 2,818 grams of powder cocaine, 14.7 grams of rock cocaine, and 556 grams of fentanyl—a quantity sufficient to endanger thousands of lives, according to the DEA. Additionally, detectives discovered tools indicative of drug distribution, such as packaging material, a digital scale, and a handgun. These findings led to Levy being charged with 11 felony offenses, including drug possession with intent to deliver and firearms-related charges, for which he is currently held on a $1.5 million bond.

Levy’s unlawful past extends back to his teenage years, with a history of criminal behavior that escalated into a 17-year prison sentence following a 2002 conviction for a drug house robbery. His release from prison in 2019 was facilitated by Governor Inslee’s clemency, a decision influenced by the 2021 State v. Blake ruling, which reclassified drug possession as a misdemeanor. This legal shift and the governor’s clemency offered Levy a second chance, which he embraced with determination and purpose.

In the years following his release, Levy dedicated himself to rehabilitating his life and aiding others in similar situations. He became a community outreach specialist for the Washington Defender Association, advocating for criminal justice reform and supporting individuals navigating the legal system. Additionally, he founded Redemption Auto, a car dealership in Everett, which not only provided him a legitimate income but also served as a symbol of his personal redemption. Levy’s commitment to his community extended to his role as treasurer for the Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County chapter, where he actively worked to address systemic injustices and promote equality.

Levy’s involvement in criminal justice reform was deeply personal, driven by his experiences within the system. He supported policy changes aimed at combating the opioid crisis, including the Halt Fentanyl Act, which sought to classify all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. His advocacy underscored the urgent need for addressing drug abuse and the inequities within the criminal justice system, aligning with his efforts to help others avoid the pitfalls he had encountered.

The news of Levy’s arrest has sparked a mixture of disbelief and reflection in the community. While the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, the case raises profound questions about the nature of redemption, the challenges of overcoming addiction, and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. Percy Levy’s journey from incarceration to advocacy and back into legal jeopardy serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in rebuilding lives and combating the pervasive issues of drug abuse and recidivism. His story, with its triumphs and setbacks, offers a compelling narrative about the human capacity for change and the enduring struggles faced by those working to overcome their past.