Shannon T. Hanson Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware | U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
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 took place on August 24, 2025, with Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly presiding over the case.
Authorities identified Fountain as the leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin throughout Delaware. The investigation resulted in the seizure of more than ten kilograms of fentanyl—the largest such seizure in state history—along with significant amounts of other drugs.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Delaware State Police, and Dover Police Department. Evidence presented at trial indicated that Fountain purchased kilograms of narcotics from suppliers and mixed them with additives like xylazine to increase potency and profit margins. Law enforcement discovered equipment used for processing drugs at a property owned by Fountain in Middletown and found additional drug inventory stored at an apartment he rented in Bear, Delaware.
During sentencing, prosecutors highlighted that Fountain knowingly endangered public safety by distributing dangerous mixtures known to cause overdoses. On a recorded call introduced at trial, Fountain acknowledged the lethal potential of 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.” He also kept drugs in an apartment where his teenage son lived and instructed another son on running aspects of the operation via wiretapped calls.
U.S. Attorney Julianne E. 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 on law enforcement’s efforts: “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,” offered Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson. “I understand and acknowledge the broader effort in reducing the overdose death rate in the First State, but sometimes we forget the months of crime fighting efforts put in by our police officers. Cases that involve both physical and electronic surveillance are labor intensive and require considerable sacrifice. This was a tremendous effort by all the involved officers. They made Dover a little safer and they certainly saved lives.” According to state data reported by Delaware officials, there was indeed a notable decrease in overdose fatalities during this period.
Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police added: “This case serves as a reminder of the dangers our communities face from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “The amount of fentanyl seized in this case could have led to countless overdoses. Thanks to the dedication and teamwork of our detectives and federal partners, a major supplier has been taken off the streets, and lives were undoubtedly saved.”
Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett from DEA Philadelphia Field Division stated: “Dwayne Fountain was poisoning our communities through the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Working with our law enforcement partners from the Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office, 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 this case which involved cooperation among several agencies including DEA offices from Dover Post of Duty and Scranton Resident Office; Delaware National Guard; Smyrna Police Department; Ocean View Police Department; Delmar Police Department; along with support from local law enforcement.
Further information about this case is available through official sources including the U.S Attorney’s Office website as well as court records accessible via the District Court for Delaware or PACER under Case No. 23-CR-49-CFC.
