A federal jury convicted a Newport, Arkansas, man yesterday of Conspiracy to Distribute more than 400 grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Fentanyl.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organisation responsible for distributing fentanyl pills in Fayetteville, Arkansas, from May to June 2023.
The investigation identified Claude Dukes, Jr., age 42, of Newport, Arkansas, as the source of supply for fentanyl being distributed by co-conspirator Justin Alexander Ellis, age 36, of Fayetteville.Â
The pills distributed by this group contained fentanyl made or pressed to look like M-30 Oxycontin prescription pills. Dukes was found to be responsible for over 400 grams of fentanyl distributed in the conspiracy through his own conduct and the conduct of co-conspirators.
Duke is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.
Conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl is punishable by a minimum term of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum of life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Justin Ellis pleaded guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl on February 28, 2024, and is awaiting a sentencing date. Distribution of Fentanyl is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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