BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Deona’tre Capri Dowell, 30, of Beckley, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in federal court on Monday.
Dowell admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in Beckley and other parts of the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court documents, Dowell obtained an ounce of fentanyl on May 25, 2024, after requesting it from a co-conspirator earlier that day.
He discussed adding a cutting agent to stretch the product and increase profits.
Throughout May 2024, Dowell received additional quantities of fentanyl on consignment, paying his supplier with proceeds from drug sales.
On May 30, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dowell’s Beckley residence.
They seized approximately 535 grams of methamphetamine, 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl, a Romarm Micro Draco 7.62mm firearm, and a Glock Model 21 .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun.
Dowell admitted he intended to distribute the controlled substances.
Dowell is one of 12 individuals indicted for allegedly conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in the Southern District of West Virginia between June 2023 and May 2024.
He is among five defendants who have pleaded guilty so far. The remaining charges against the other defendants, including Bradley, are still pending.
Dowell faces sentencing on April 11, 2025. He could receive up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which includes officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department, for their work on the case.
