Tonikko Fewell, a 35-year-old man from Republic, Mo., has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison without parole for his role in fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearms possession. The sentencing took place on April 22, 2024, in federal court.
Fewell pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stem from two instances in which Fewell fled from law enforcement officers.
On Aug. 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Fewell’s residence. Fewell drove by his residence while officers were executing the search warrant. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Fewell dropped off a female passenger and quickly sped away at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Officers discontinued the pursuit over public safety concerns.
The search of Fewell’s residence yielded approximately 588 grams of fentanyl, $3,420 in cash, and a stolen Anderson .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle with a fully loaded 40-round magazine. Officers also found a Jimenez Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen and a Walther 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a vehicle parked at the residence.
On Dec. 8, 2021, a Springfield, Mo., police detective attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an orange Cadillac Fewell was driving. The detective did not pursue the vehicle, but shortly afterward saw the vehicle had been involved in a three-car accident at the intersection of Commercial Street and National Avenue. The detective searched the vehicle and found 54 grams of fentanyl and $4,232 in cash. Fewell, a passenger, and their 2-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Fewell has a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Fewell’s sentencing is a significant blow to those involved in fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearms possession in the region. The case serves as a reminder of the harsh consequences of engaging in such activities.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which this case is a part of, aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country. By working together with law enforcement and community organizations, we can make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case is part of a larger effort to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearms possession in the region. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in such activities are held accountable.
Related Federal Cases
- Bryant Taylor, Fentanyl Trafficking, Missouri 2020 · District of Columbia
- Cevone Weeden, Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, Missouri 2020 · District of Columbia
- Floyd Barber, Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges, Missouri 2023 · District of Columbia
- Bryan Patton Tullous, Meth Trafficking, Missouri 2023 · Idaho
- Michael Allen Dicks Jr., Meth Trafficking, Missouri 2020 · Idaho
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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