Accused of selling fentanyl, McAllen man pleads not guilty

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man accused of selling fentanyl in McAllen pleaded not guilty Tuesday.

James Calvin Queen II, 41, of McAllen pleaded not guilty to participating in a conspiracy that involved more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Queen in June, when they raided an apartment on the 1100 block of West Fern Avenue.

Agents seized pills and plastic baggies that contained “powdery substances,” according to the criminal complaint against Queen.

James Queen. (Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office.)

They also discovered a large amount of cash, a money-counting machine and two loaded guns, according to DEA Special Agent Kevin Buechner, who testified during a hearing in June.

The pills tested positive for fentanyl.

“Mr. Queen stated that he ‘helps out’ his friends,” Buechner said during the hearing. “‘Helping out’ was him providing fentanyl to his friends and other people.”

Queen claimed he sold fentanyl to 30 to 40 “repeat customers,” according to the criminal complaint.

U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker ordered Queen held without bond, concerned he posed a “danger to the community.”

A federal grand jury indicted Queen in July. He’s charged with participating in a conspiracy to possess 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

Attorney J.M. “Chuy” Alvarez of Rio Grande City, who represents Queen, couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.

If convicted on the fentanyl charge, Queen faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison.