Fentanyl Dealers Receive Combined 33-Year Sentence in Eastern Panhandle Operations

Four individuals involved in distributing fentanyl across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia have received sentences totaling over 33 years in federal prison. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. These convictions are part of a broader effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the region.

Among those sentenced is Kentrel Anthony Rollins, a 33-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland, who received 138 months (11.5 years) in prison. Rollins was identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that extended from Baltimore to Hampshire County, West Virginia. During an investigation into his activities, law enforcement seized fentanyl, two firearms, various ammunition, and over $17,000 in cash. This case is connected to eleven other defendants who have already been convicted and collectively sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Jwan Martine Smith, 40, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison. Matthew James Elsea, 43, of Stephenson, Virginia, received a sentence of 87 months (over 7 years). Both Smith and Elsea were part of a distribution operation led by Delano Butler, responsible for distributing significant quantities of fentanyl throughout the Eastern Panhandle. Investigators observed Smith, Elsea, and others transferring items between a stash apartment and vehicles. Subsequent traffic stops and searches of various vehicles and properties led to the seizure of 14 firearms, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 pressed fentanyl pills, additional fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and drug paraphernalia. The total amount of fentanyl seized in connection with this operation weighed nearly 8 pounds, with an additional 4.5 grams of methamphetamine. Smith has a history of drug-related offenses and home invasions and was on parole supervision for prior convictions at the time of these crimes. Delano Butler has been convicted for his role and is awaiting sentencing.

Tyler Lantz Gordon, 34, of Rawlings, Maryland, was sentenced to 57 months (nearly 5 years) in federal prison for distributing fentanyl in close proximity to a protected location. Gordon was found to have sold fentanyl-laced capsules near West Virginia University Potomac State College. The total amount of fentanyl involved in his case was 37 grams, which equates to more than 18,000 potentially lethal doses. Gordon also has prior convictions for drug offenses.

The prosecution of these cases was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane. The investigations were conducted by the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force and the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, both initiatives supported by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Fentanyl has been recognized for its extreme lethality, posing a significant public safety threat even in small quantities, a concern previously highlighted by President Donald Trump who designated it as a weapon of mass destruction. These prosecutions are part of “Operation Take Back America,” a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at eradicating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, protecting communities from violent offenders, and addressing illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided over these proceedings.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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