A Georgia man has been found guilty of armed fentanyl trafficking in a trial that concluded this week. Dwan Maurice Hewlett, also known as "LA," was convicted on all six counts charged in the indictment. The charges include 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.
Hewlett, 41, from Hull, Georgia, is classified as a federal career offender. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years. The trial commenced on February 24 and ended on the evening of February 26 under U.S. District Judge Tilman E. "Tripp" Self III. A sentencing date will be set by the court later, with no parole available in the federal system.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker stated, “Career offenders arming themselves and pushing fentanyl into our communities will find their criminal cases in federal court.” She commended law enforcement for their efforts in bringing repeat offenders to justice.
Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters remarked on the importance of partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies: "This armed career criminal will no longer be selling the dangerous drug fentanyl in our community." He praised ACCPD officers and detectives for their work alongside partner agencies.
FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden noted that Hewlett's conviction demonstrates the FBI's commitment to removing dangerous criminals from Georgia streets: “Hewlett will now have decades in prison to consider his past actions.”
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Atlanta Division, highlighted how 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 revealed that Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) detectives used a confidential informant to arrange a purchase of fentanyl from Hewlett at an Athens gas station on Danielsville Road. Upon arrival at the scene, police boxed Hewlett’s vehicle and commanded him to exit. Instead, he made furtive movements before fleeing but was apprehended after a short chase.
A search revealed a .380 pistol under his seat along with numerous baggies containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine for distribution totaling significant quantities. Messages related to drug activities were also found on Hewlett's cell phones.
Hewlett has an extensive criminal history including three prior convictions for serious drug offenses and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including 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 is prosecuting the case for the government.