The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces

The Fort Bragg Cartel opens with a March 2018 Disney World trip to celebrate the sixth birthday of Mark Leshikar’s daughter, joined by William ‘Billy’ Lavigne II and his daughter. Alcohol is available throughout the park, and both men drink. Frequently, witnesses report, Lavigne slips away for drug pickups. Later, when driving home, Leshikar becomes increasingly paranoid. He complains to Lavigne that “the unit has a bucktail on [him]” (21). He insists the car is bugged and searches the dashboard and glove box while Lavigne tries to calm him. Lavigne reaches out to Leshikar’s wife to warn that Leshikar is acting “unsafe” (21), On a video call, Leshikar dismisses concerns that he seems paranoid.

They reach Lavigne’s house in Fayetteville in late afternoon. Leshikar pops the hood and starts pulling at the hot engine, convinced that ordinary parts are microphones. Lavigne shows him images of fuses to persuade him otherwise. A struggle begins when Lavigne tries to take a screwdriver from Leshikar. The men grapple on the driveway and into the front yard. Lavigne uses Army combat training to subdue Leshikar, then rushes both girls inside and locks the doors and windows, leaving Leshikar “panting, red-faced, and enraged” (22).