Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Rakai Travall Hawkins, also known as "G," 30, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 24, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a 7thStreet residence in Huntington and seized approximately 211 grams of fentanyl, 484 grams of methamphetamine, 12 grams of cocaine base, also known as "crack," and a loaded stolen SCCY 9mm pistol. As part of his guilty plea, Hawkins admitted that he stored controlled substances at the residence, possessed the seized controlled substances, and intended to distribute the seized controlled substances for money. Hawkins further admitted that he possessed the seized stolen firearm to protect the controlled substances and the proceeds from distributing them.

Hawkins also admitted to additional criminal conduct as part of his guilty plea. On July 22, 2024, Hawkins was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by a law enforcement officers in Huntington. Hawkins possessed approximately 7 grams of fentanyl and 7.5 grams of crack found in the vehicle during the traffic stop and intended to distribute the controlled substances. On two occasions between August 24 and September 4, 2024, Hawkins sold a total of approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine in Huntington. On four occasions between August 13 and September 19, 2024, Hawkins sold a total of approximately 7.15 grams of fentanyl in Huntington. During one of the fentanyl transactions, Hawkins received the SCCY 9mm pistol in exchange for the controlled substance.

Hawkins is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

This case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-51.

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