Emmanuel Kwame West, Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture, West Virginia 2021

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Washington, D.C. man has admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl, a severe threat to public health and safety.

Emmanuel Kwame West, also known as “Donte West,” 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture.” West admitted to selling a mixture of fentanyl and heroin in March 2021 in Berkeley County.

The defendant faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided over the hearing.

The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of heroin and fentanyl, highly addictive substances that can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.

West’s guilty plea is a significant step towards holding those accountable who engage in illegal activities that put lives at risk.

We will continue to work tirelessly to combat the opioid epidemic and bring those responsible to justice.

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