⏱ 2 min read
Derrick Deonte Moore, a 31-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, was involved in a large-scale fentanyl distribution operation between July 2022 and October 2023. Moore, who had prior felony and domestic abuse assault convictions, worked with others to peddle the deadly opioid, causing two nonfatal overdoses in October and December 2023. The fentanyl was often hidden in creative spots, such as inside a stuffed animal, and Moore also sold the drug to others, including ten pills on September 6 and October 10, 2023.
Moore’s operation was eventually uncovered by investigators, who searched his home in March 2023 and found a treasure trove of illicit goods. These included over $2,500 in cash, 234 fentanyl pills, five more fentanyl pills, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, a scale, prescription drugs, and marijuana. The gun was particularly problematic, as Moore was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior convictions.
On December 22, 2025, Moore pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and distribution of fentanyl. He was sentenced on May 18, 2026, by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams to 137 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release.
The case was the result of a collaborative effort between several law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department, and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office. Moore is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Iowa
- Location: IA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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