A federal grand jury in Des Moines has indicted five individuals on charges related to fentanyl trafficking. The indictment, which includes three counts, names Devonte Darnell Hassell, Ryan Redmond, Kevin Stanley Harris Jr., Adonis Angel Devora, and Ricky Jamall Ellis.
Devonte Darnell Hassell, 28, known by aliases such as "Domo," "Dom," and "Rose," is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could be sentenced to life in prison. Ryan Redmond, 31, also known as "Chiefy," faces similar charges with a potential sentence ranging from five to 40 years.
Kevin Stanley Harris Jr., 42, referred to as "Rylo" and "Big Hands," is accused of the same offenses. Due to a prior serious drug felony conviction, he could receive a minimum sentence of 10 years or life imprisonment. Adonis Angel Devora, 43, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and faces up to 20 years in prison. Ricky Jamall Ellis, 30, also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, could be sentenced to up to 30 years.
The arrests took place on December 18, 2024; four suspects were apprehended in Des Moines while one was detained in Houston. On the same day, authorities executed thirteen federal search warrants leading to the seizure of significant quantities of drugs including approximately 610 grams of heroin/fentanyl mixture and about 135 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, they confiscated approximately 260 grams of marijuana along with nineteen firearms and over $13,000 in cash.
This investigation into fentanyl distribution within Des Moines involved multiple law enforcement agencies. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal announced the charges. Agencies participating include the Des Moines Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, FBI's Central Iowa Gang Task Force (CIGTF), among others.
The case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across various law enforcement bodies.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.