DETROIT – In a shocking display of federal law enforcement’s resolve, the last of seven defendants in a deadly fentanyl distribution scheme that resulted in overdoses and at least one death was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison today.
Lavante Brown, 30, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death on May 16, 2023, was handed a 10-year sentence by United States District Court Judge Bernard A. Friedman for his involvement in the scheme.
FBI investigation reveals a brazen operation: The case involved a group of dealers who operated a drive-through for drugs, doling out crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl to customers who drove down Yacama Street in Detroit, Michigan. This operation ran rampant for years, leaving residents in a constant state of terror, with home abandonments being used as makeshift distribution hubs.
Seven members of the conspiracy, with lengthy criminal histories, face federal charges. The list of sentences handed down by Judge Friedman includes:
- Anthony Foster, 38, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to 15 years in prison
- Willie Swift, 58, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to over 10 years in prison
- Terrance Hall, 34, of Eastpointe, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to 10 years in prison
- Dana Hudson, 46, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to 5 years in prison
- David Terry, 41, of Harper Woods, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to over 4 years in prison
- Justin Fields, 33, of Rochester Hills, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to one day custody with credit for time-served, followed by three years of supervised release
Feds respond to the scheme: “These defendants thought they could take over our city, destroy neighborhoods, and risk others’ lives with impunity, but these sentences serve as notice that federal law enforcement will not stand idly by while drug dealers harm our community,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson added, “Today’s sentencing marks a significant victory in our relentless fight against opioid trafficking and its devastating impact on our community. This case sends a strong message that we will not tolerate activities that endanger our citizens’ lives.”
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the Oakland County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Hindelang prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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