EVERETT, WA — Percy Levy, a 54-year-old former inmate turned criminal justice advocate, was arrested and federally indicted on March 13, 2023, as part of a major drug trafficking investigation. Levy faces charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Levy, who previously served 17 years for a drug-related offense and was later commuted by Governor Jay Inslee in 2019, was arrested after a traffic stop that followed an undercover operation. A search of Levy’s Everett residence revealed a loaded handgun and large quantities of illegal substances: 2,818.9 grams of powder cocaine, 14.7 grams of rock cocaine, and 556.1 grams of fentanyl. The amount of fentanyl recovered is estimated to be enough to kill approximately 278,000 people, based on the DEA’s estimate that 1 kilogram of fentanyl can kill up to 500,000 people.
Levy’s arrest is part of a broader investigation by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, which had been tracking his activities since early 2024. Undercover officers had made multiple controlled purchases of cocaine and fentanyl, and also acquired a stolen firearm, all linked to Levy’s operations in Everett and Shoreline.
Alongside Levy, two other men were indicted: Robert Baggett and Eugene Smith. Smith, 69, was arrested on March 21 after allegedly selling drugs to an undercover officer. Smith had a criminal history, including multiple felony convictions, and was involved in multiple drug transactions connected to Levy.
Levy, who became an advocate for criminal justice reform after his release, is also known for his work with the Redemption Project, where he helped others with their reentry into society. However, his past did not shield him from the federal charges now against him. After being granted bond and briefly released from jail, Levy was re-arrested and moved to federal detention on March 27.
The charges against Levy carry severe penalties, with federal convictions for drug trafficking and firearm possession leading to significant prison sentences. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for over a year, underscores the collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies in tackling the growing problem of drug trafficking and associated violence.
