A U.S. District Judge sentenced two St. Louis residents to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a fentanyl trafficking operation, according to an April 2 announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The sentencing of Toneisha D. Smith and Trequan A. Dotson highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address the dangers posed by fentanyl distribution and related violence in the community.
Smith, 27, received a sentence of 155 months after admitting to selling fentanyl to undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and nearly striking three DEA task force officers with her car during an investigation. Days earlier, Dotson, 25, was sentenced to 210 months for his involvement in the same conspiracy.
Authorities responding to a domestic dispute at Dotson’s residence in August 2023 discovered large quantities of fentanyl, cash totaling $10,111, drug paraphernalia, and multiple firearms equipped with high-capacity magazines. Further searches led police to additional drugs at an apartment used by Dotson for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl. Following his arrest, Dotson instructed another member of the group on how to supply drugs and taught Smith how to mix cutting agents with fentanyl before selling it.
Smith pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy charges involving distribution of fentanyl as well as assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon and possessing a firearm during a drug crime. She admitted that she and co-defendants sold drugs between March and June of last year.
Other individuals involved also received significant sentences: Larry C. Hayes III was sentenced to twelve years after pleading guilty; Marcel Harris received ten years following his admission that he had been caught twice by police with fentanyl after high-speed chases.
Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Davis of the DEA St. Louis Division said: “This investigation is a prime example of the dangers DEA personnel face on a daily basis protecting our communities from drug-related violence and the drugs that are poisoning our citizens… We remain relentless in our pursuit of drug traffickers wreaking havoc on the American people, as we work towards a Fentanyl Free America.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Voss.
