Daviontae Lately, a 32-year-old man from Detroit, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl. The plea was entered in Beckley, West Virginia.
Court documents reveal that on September 7, 2023, Lately sold fentanyl to a confidential informant at a residence in Beckley where he was staying. He admitted to this transaction as part of his guilty plea and also confessed to selling more fentanyl to the same informant on September 8, 2023.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Beckley residence on September 12, 2023. They seized additional quantities of fentanyl and cocaine base, commonly known as crack. They also confiscated approximately $9,360 in cash, including $1,400 from the controlled buys involving the informant. Lately admitted his intention to distribute the drugs and acknowledged that the cash represented proceeds from drug trafficking activities.
Lately’s sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2025. He faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston who praised the investigative efforts of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. This unit includes officers from the West Virginia State Police, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing while Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling prosecution duties.
Further details can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia or by searching Case No. 5:24-cr-174 on PACER.
