COVINGTON, Ky. — A Cincinnati man, Devante Garrett, 30, has been handed a staggering sentence of 360 months for his role in a brazen drug trafficking conspiracy.
In a gritty courtroom Thursday, Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning meted out the harsh penalty, which includes 85% of the term to be served before parole consideration, for Garrett’s involvement in distributing deadly substances on a massive scale.
Garrett was convicted following a bruising four-day trial in May 2025. The evidence against him was overwhelming: a cache of more than 275 grams of fentanyl analogue, over 40 grams of pure fentanyl, and cocaine worth millions were found during his October 14, 2023, arrest.
Garrett’s criminal spree didn’t start there. On August 17, 2023, he was caught with $6,440 in cash and a drug scale laced with remnants of the illegal substances. His conspiracy also involved another Cincinnati resident, James Waller, who was caught distributing the drugs alongside him.
Garrett’s sentence is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking in Kentucky. Four other conspirators have already been sentenced, including Waller, who received 132 months for his part. The collective effort by law enforcement agencies has sent a clear message that the illegal drug trade will not be tolerated in the Bluegrass State.
U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey and top local law enforcement officials jointly announced the sentence, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies to combat this criminal activity. The DEA, Kentucky State Police, Covington Police Department, Highland Heights Police Department, and Boone County Sheriff’s Office worked together to bring Garrett to justice.
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- Louisville Man Charged with Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking, Money Laundering · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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