Dwan Maurice Hewlett, 41, of Hull, Georgia, was found guilty this week on six counts related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. Hewlett, a federal career offender, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Following a trial that began on February 24th, a jury found Hewlett guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute each of those drugs; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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“Career offenders arming themselves and pushing fentanyl into our communities will find their criminal cases in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker.
The case unfolded when Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) detectives used a confidential informant to arrange a fentanyl purchase from Hewlett. When Hewlett arrived at the pre-arranged meeting spot, officers attempted to apprehend him. Hewlett fled on foot but was quickly captured.
A search of Hewlett’s vehicle revealed a .380 pistol, 133.51 grams of fentanyl, 58.31 grams of methamphetamine, 9.783 grams of cocaine, and 16 grams of cocaine base. His cell phone contained numerous drug-related messages and photos.
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Hewlett has a lengthy criminal history, including three prior convictions in Clarke County for serious drug offenses and firearm possession.
“This armed career criminal will no longer be selling the dangerous drug fentanyl in our community,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters.
“The FBI works tirelessly to get dangerous criminals like Dwan Hewlett and the drugs he sold off the streets of Georgia,” added FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden.
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