Rafael Cee-Erwin Solomon, 43, from Detroit, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to three counts of distributing fentanyl. The plea was entered in Charleston, West Virginia.
Court documents and statements revealed that Solomon sold fentanyl on March 10, 2025, in Dunbar and on March 24 and March 27, 2025, in St. Albans. Solomon’s criminal history includes a previous conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base in December 2012 in the Southern District of West Virginia. He also has past convictions for assault-related offenses.
The investigation leading to Solomon’s guilty plea also resulted in the indictment of 13 other individuals accused of distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. These indictments are allegations until proven otherwise.
Solomon is set for sentencing on October 9, 2025. He faces up to 30 years imprisonment, at least six years of supervised release, and a $2 million fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the guilty plea and praised the FBI’s investigative efforts. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing with Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuting.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which aims to dismantle significant drug trafficking organizations. It also falls under Operation Take Back America, focusing on eliminating cartels and protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Further information can be found through PACER by searching Case No. 2:25-cr-77 or visiting the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.
