A man from Georgia has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for armed fentanyl trafficking. Dwan Maurice Hewlett, also known as “LA,” aged 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III on July 7. Following his prison term, Hewlett will serve ten years of supervised release.
Hewlett was found guilty on February 26 of all six charges against him, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute these substances; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal sentences do not offer parole.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes stated, “Armed career offenders distributing fentanyl in the Middle District of Georgia will face federal prosecution, which carries stiff penalties and no possibility of parole.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration between various law enforcement agencies in addressing such crimes.
Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters expressed pride in the officers involved in the case: “Cases like these exemplify the value of partnerships between local, state and federal agencies.” He reiterated the commitment to keeping violent criminals out of their community.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown noted that Hewlett’s arrest demonstrates ongoing efforts to remove dangerous criminals from Georgia’s streets: “Hewlett will now have a long time in prison to consider his past actions.”
Acting Special Agent Jae W. Chung from DEA’s Atlanta Division highlighted that drug traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals for profit: “The success of this investigation is proof that those destroying our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable.”
Court documents reveal that Athens-Clarke County Police Department detectives used a confidential informant to arrange a purchase of fentanyl from Hewlett at an Athens gas station. Upon arrival, officers apprehended Hewlett after he attempted to flee. A search revealed drugs and a firearm under his car seat along with evidence on his cell phones linking him to further distribution plans.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and Athens-Clarke County Police Department, with assistance from FBI Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, DEA, and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison prosecuted the case for the government.
