Two Virginia residents admit to roles in fentanyl distribution involving buried drugs
Norfolk, Vrginia – Two Virginia men have pleaded guilty to charges related to a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, which came to light following law enforcement’s discovery of a “treasure map” that led to buried drugs. This case underscores the continuing struggle against the opioid crisis in the United States, highlighting both the creativity of drug traffickers and the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies.
Ronald Devon Matthews, a 39-year-old resident of Isle of Wight County, and Demetris Alexander Daniels, 34, from Hampton, found themselves entwined in a criminal plot that seems more akin to a Hollywood script than reality. The saga began with Matthews’ arrest on December 7, 2021, at his home, where he had been engaged in the illicit drug trade. Following his arrest, Matthews remained in custody and transferred residence privileges to Daniels.
Legal proceedings against Matthews accelerated with a federal grand jury indictment on August 11, 2022, leading to his guilty plea to charges of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition on September 29, 2022. He was subsequently sentenced on February 24, 2023, to six years and nine months in prison.
However, prior to his arrest, Matthews had taken the precaution of burying 383.02 grams of fentanyl on his property, presumably for future distribution. While incarcerated, Matthews crafted a detailed map on the reverse side of a sales invoice, pinpointing the exact location of the hidden narcotics. This map was intended for Daniels, to aid in excavating and selling the buried fentanyl.
The plot thickened in May or June 2023, when Daniels attempted to retrieve the drugs, albeit unsuccessfully. A subsequent arrangement saw Daniels and a witness planning to unearth the stash together. However, before they could act, the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office and ATF agents, acting on a tip-off, conducted a raid at the residence on June 16, 2023. During the operation, officers discovered the map and, following its directions, located and recovered the fentanyl.
On September 30, Matthews pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He now faces a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 11, 2025, with the possibility of receiving up to 40 years in prison. Daniels, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to maintaining drug-involved premises and is set to be sentenced on May 1, 2025. He could face up to 10 years in prison.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative that aims to reduce violent crime and improve community safety. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and community partners seeks to address the root causes of violent crime, primarily through targeted interventions and strategic policing.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica D. Aber, James VanVliet, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; and James R. Clarke Jr., Isle of Wight County Sheriff, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case.
