A Georgia man, Dwan Maurice Hewlett, known as “LA,” has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for armed fentanyl trafficking. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III on July 7, following Hewlett’s conviction on February 26 for multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Hewlett, aged 41 and a resident of Hull, Georgia, was found guilty of six counts: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute each of these substances; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to his prison term, Hewlett will serve ten years of supervised release after completing his sentence.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes stated that “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 collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in tackling such cases.
Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters highlighted the role played by local officers and detectives in bringing Hewlett to justice. He remarked that this case showcases the importance of partnerships between various law enforcement agencies in keeping communities safe from violent criminals.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented on the efforts made by the FBI to remove dangerous criminals like Hewlett from Georgia’s streets. Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Atlanta Division, noted that this investigation serves as proof that those harming communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable.
The case against Hewlett involved an operation where Athens-Clarke County Police Department detectives used a confidential informant to arrange a meeting with him at an Athens gas station for purchasing fentanyl. When confronted by police at the scene, Hewlett attempted to flee but was apprehended after a short pursuit.
Officers discovered significant quantities of drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine inside his vehicle along with a .380 pistol under the driver’s seat. Further evidence from his cell phones indicated he conspired with others to distribute large amounts of fentanyl shortly before his arrest.
This investigation was conducted 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 among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
