Following a four-day jury trial, a federal jury has convicted Antonio Trevyll McGraw-Williams, 35, of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“This defendant knew exactly what he was doing—pushing deadly poison into our communities that he bragged was strong enough to kill. This is appalling,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “With a long and violent criminal history, this defendant made a career out of exploiting addiction and endangering lives. Today’s conviction sends a clear message: if you try to profit off of death and destruction, you will be held accountable. The people of Bemidji and greater Minnesota deserve better than to live under the threat of fentanyl-fueled addiction and loss.”
Court documents revealed that in the summer of 2022, special agents from the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force discovered McGraw-Williams transporting fentanyl from Minneapolis to Bemidji for sale. He reportedly boasted about the potency of his fentanyl, suggesting it could be lethal.
Agents executed a search warrant on McGraw-Williams's hotel room in Bemidji, uncovering a bag of fentanyl along with drug paraphernalia such as tinfoils, a blender for mixing drugs, scales for measuring doses, and mini Ziploc-style bags for packaging drugs. Additionally, they found his cell phone and a receipt with his name. Text conversations on the phone showed him arranging drug deals.
DNA experts at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed McGraw-Williams's DNA on the bag of fentanyl.
McGraw-Williams's criminal record includes convictions for First Degree Aggravated Robbery, Felony Violation of Order for Protection, and Felony Domestic Assault.
After being found guilty by a federal jury before Judge Joan N. Ericksen in U.S. District Court on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, McGraw-Williams faces sentencing at a later date. He is subject to a minimum sentence of ten years in prison up to life imprisonment.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI, Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, Bemidji Police Department, Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew D. Forbes and Matthew D. Evans prosecuted the case.
