KC Reporter

A Kansas City man, Dmitry Cattell, has been sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl that led to an overdose death. U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips handed down the sentence on Thursday, May 2. Cattell pleaded guilty to several charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.

During the sentencing hearing, evidence was presented regarding the delivery of fentanyl by Cattell, which tragically resulted in the death of an individual on May 18, 2020. The victim's identity has not been disclosed in court documents. Cattell admitted to distributing a significant number of fentanyl doses during the conspiracy period, along with a substantial amount of cocaine.

Authorities discovered drug paraphernalia and a firearm with a defaced serial number at Cattell's residence after responding to multiple drug overdoses linked to his activities. Cattell confessed to selling fentanyl to individuals, including his sister, girlfriend, and a woman who later overdosed and crashed her vehicle in front of his residence.

Cattell is one of 11 defendants convicted in this case and the second to be sentenced. Co-defendant Dominic E. Holland received a sentence of 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.

The prosecution of this case was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett and Stephanie Bradshaw and investigated by various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local police departments.

The case was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, aimed at combating organized crime and drug trafficking organizations. The initiative involves multi-agency task forces working together to target priority threats to public safety and national security.

Cattell's sentencing underscores the serious consequences of involvement in drug trafficking and the importance of collaborative efforts by law enforcement agencies to address such criminal activities.