Dwayne Fountain, 54, of Middletown, Delaware, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and multiple counts related to the possession and distribution of drugs. The sentencing was announced by Julianne E. Murray, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, on August 24, 2025. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly determined that Fountain led a drug trafficking organization responsible for the largest known fentanyl seizure in Delaware history.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Delaware State Police, and Dover Police Department. Authorities found that Fountain purchased large quantities of drugs from suppliers and used additives such as xylazine (“tranq”) to increase potency and profits. Law enforcement discovered a kilogram press at a Middletown property owned by Fountain and identified an apartment in Bear, Delaware, where he stored drugs.
Search warrants resulted in the seizure of over 10.5 kilograms of fentanyl, more than 200 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, and nearly 3 kilograms of heroin.
Prosecutors highlighted at sentencing that Fountain knowingly endangered public safety by distributing dangerous drugs prone to causing overdoses and deaths. In a recorded call admitted as evidence, Fountain acknowledged the lethal risk associated with his products: “They said it’s too strong, come on man… We all got some sh*t that can make a [person]die. For real, for real. You gotta know how to mix it right.” Investigators also noted that Fountain kept drugs in an apartment shared with his teenage son and coached another son on drug operations during wiretapped calls.
U.S. Attorney Murray stated: “The defendant well knew the danger he was causing, both to his own family and to the public. He sold drugs anyway, for no reason other than the desire to make money. The Court’s sentence sends the right message – selling drugs, especially fentanyl – will land you in federal prison for many years.”
Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson commented: “Law Enforcement took Dwayne Fountain off the streets in 2023. He was enriching himself by selling poison in our community on a scale not often seen. Surely this arrest was a contributor to the 36% drop in overdose deaths recorded in Delaware in 2024,” adding recognition for law enforcement efforts involved in lengthy investigations using physical and electronic surveillance.
Colonel William D. Crotty of the Delaware State Police remarked: “This case serves as a reminder of the dangers our communities face from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids,” noting that “the amount of fentanyl seized in this case could have led to countless overdoses.”
Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett from DEA Philadelphia Field Division said: “Dwayne Fountain was poisoning our communities through the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine… Mr. Fountain was brought to justice through his sentencing to a 25-year term of incarceration.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel S. Frey prosecuted the case with investigative support from several agencies including DEA Dover Post of Duty; Delaware State Police; Dover Police Department; DEA Scranton Resident Office; Delaware National Guard; Smyrna Police Department; Ocean View Police Department; and Delmar Police Department.
Further information about this case is available through the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware website or via court records accessible through PACER under Case No. 23-CR-49-CFC.
