Rodericus San Juan Warner has been charged with allegedly distributing large quantities of carfentanil, fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine in Atlanta. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than fentanyl and is primarily used by veterinarians to sedate large animals.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case, stating, “Synthetic opioid abuse continues to claim lives, and now fentanyl has become a gateway to an even more dangerous drug, carfentanil. A convicted felon, Warner allegedly showed no fear of the law and absolutely no concern for the deadly risk drugs and guns posed to the small children at the residence he occupied.”
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, added, “Carfentanil is a deadly synthetic narcotic — used to tranquilize elephants, not meant for human consumption. Yet this offender chose to sell it alongside fentanyl and methamphetamine, showing total disregard for human life. Our agents are relentless in targeting those who bring this level of danger into our communities.”
According to information presented in court by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, DEA agents began investigating Warner in October 2025 as a suspected drug trafficker in Atlanta. Agents allege that Warner sold hundreds of pills containing carfentanil and fentanyl as well as over 100 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation led agents to obtain federal search warrants for four residences and several vehicles connected to Warner’s activities.
On November 6, 2025, DEA agents executed these warrants and arrested Warner at a home he shared with his girlfriend and her three children. Authorities recovered two loaded firearms, $20,000 in cash, and high-end jewelry from the residence. As a five-time convicted felon, Warner is prohibited from possessing firearms. Additional suspected drugs were found in one of his vehicles outside the home.
At another location associated with Warner’s alleged drug sales, law enforcement discovered four loaded firearms along with thousands of suspected fentanyl pills, significant amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine, oxycodone pills, and marijuana.
Warner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon on federal charges and was ordered held without bond pending further proceedings.
Officials remind the public that criminal complaints contain only allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading the investigation into this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl is prosecuting.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages parents and children to learn about drug dangers at www.justthinktwice.gov.
For additional information or media inquiries contact USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. More details about the office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.