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Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a major blow to the opioid epidemic, a Beckley man has been sentenced to prison for his role in fentanyl trafficking. Michael Dwayne Kelly II, 35, was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kelly sold approximately 6.9 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant for $700 at a residence in Beckley on January 27, 2022. He admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling approximately 28 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant for $500 at the Beckley residence on February 10, 2022.
Co-defendant Savannah Elizabeth Todd, 32, of Beckley, was also sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in the fentanyl trafficking operation. Todd sold approximately 3.5 grams of fentanyl for $550 to a confidential informant at the Beckley residence on February 8, 2022.
On February 17, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Beckley residence, where they found Kelly and Todd. Officers seized 189 grams of fentanyl, 56 grams of cocaine, 27 grams of heroin, three handguns, and $13,046. Kelly and Todd admitted that each intended to distribute the seized drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia.
United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.
The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the nation, and the Grimy Times will continue to shine a light on those responsible for fueling this crisis. The sentence handed down to Kelly and Todd is a small step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-163.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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