Rakai Travall Hawkins, 30, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Court records state that on September 24, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence on 7th Street in Huntington. Officers seized about 211 grams of fentanyl, 484 grams of methamphetamine, 12 grams of crack cocaine, and a loaded stolen SCCY 9mm pistol. Hawkins admitted he stored the drugs at the residence and intended to sell them for money. He also acknowledged possessing the stolen firearm to protect both the drugs and proceeds from distribution.
Hawkins further admitted to other criminal acts as part of his plea agreement. On July 22, 2024, he was found with about seven grams each of fentanyl and crack cocaine during a traffic stop in Huntington and intended to distribute those substances. Between August and September 2024, Hawkins sold approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine over two occasions and about 7.15 grams of fentanyl over four occasions in Huntington. During one fentanyl transaction, he received the SCCY pistol in exchange for drugs.
Sentencing is set for November 3, 2025. Hawkins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to forty years in prison, at least four years supervised release, and a fine up to $5 million.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the plea and recognized the investigative work by the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force along with 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.
The prosecution falls under Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), which aims to reduce synthetic opioid supply in areas most affected by these drugs.
This case is also part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations through programs like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
“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.”
