On February 24, 2025, a federal jury found Dwayne Fountain, 54, of Middletown, guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute on four counts, and distribution of controlled substances on two counts. The verdict was announced by Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly presided over the trial.
The investigation uncovered a network of co-conspirators from Scranton, Pennsylvania to Seaford, Delaware. Martin Fountain, Durell Patton, and William Warren were indicted alongside Dwayne Fountain and have pled guilty; they are awaiting sentencing. Authorities seized over ten kilograms of fentanyl from this group—the largest such seizure in Delaware's history.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Delaware State Police, and Dover Police Department conducted the long-term investigation that led to these charges. Evidence showed that Fountain purchased drugs in bulk and added substances like xylazine to increase their potency and profitability. Law enforcement found a kilogram press at his property in Middletown used for repackaging drugs after adulteration. A search of his rented apartment in Bear revealed over 10.5 kilograms of fentanyl along with significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson stated: "The defendant was a savvy drug trafficker who worked with others...to bring kilograms of fentanyl and other drugs to Delaware." She emphasized that the DEA's work resulted in seizing over 16 kilograms of illegal substances and nearly $100,000 in cash.
Chief Thomas Johnson of the Dover Police Department commented: “Working together with our State and Federal partners continues to be an effective strategy to remove dangerous individuals who threaten the safety...of our citizens."
Colonel William D. Crotty from the Delaware State Police remarked: "This drug seizure demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to holding traffickers accountable."
Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Hodnett from the DEA added: “Individuals...who distribute Fentanyl are poisoning our communities."
Fountain faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison upon sentencing by Chief Judge Connolly.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel S. Frey are leading the prosecution with investigative support from various local and federal agencies as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States.
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