BECKLEY, W.Va. – In a grim reminder of the fentanyl epidemic, 32-year-old Detroit native Daviontae Lately, also known as ‘Dave,’ pleaded guilty today to distributing deadly doses of fentanyl. The plea came after Lately sold substantial quantities of the substance to an informant at a Beckley residence.
Court documents reveal that on September 7 and 8, 2023, Lately conducted these dangerous transactions, leaving a trail of death and addiction in his wake. Law enforcement struck on September 12 when they executed a search warrant at the residence, uncovering additional fentanyl, cocaine base, and $9,360 linked to drug trafficking activities.
Lately’s intentions were clear: he intended to distribute the seized substances. The cash, totaling over $9,000, was confirmed as proceeds from his illegal enterprise. Now, Lately faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a staggering fine of $1 million.
The case was announced by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, who lauded the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit for their relentless pursuit of justice. This unit is a formidable force, comprising officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing, with Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handling the prosecution. A copy of this press release is available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia. For further information and related court documents, visit PACER by searching Case No. 5:24-cr-174.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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