KC Reporter

A Republic, Missouri man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearms. Tonikko Fewell, 34, admitted to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and illegally owning several firearms. The guilty plea was made before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Fewell had been involved in two instances where he fled from law enforcement officers. In one incident on August 16, 2021, officers found a significant amount of fentanyl, cash, and stolen firearms at Fewell's residence. This included an Anderson .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle and two stolen pistols.

Another incident occurred on December 8, 2021, when Fewell was driving an orange Cadillac and was involved in a three-car accident. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered 54 grams of fentanyl and over $4,000 in cash. Fewell, along with a passenger and their 2-year-old daughter, were taken to the hospital for treatment.

As a convicted felon, Fewell's possession of firearms violated federal law. He had a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon, further complicating his legal situation. Fewell now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with the possibility of a life sentence without parole.

The case against Fewell was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher and investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield Police Department, and the Greene County Sheriff's Department, among others.

The prosecution of Fewell is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program focuses on collaboration between law enforcement and communities to enhance safety and prevent criminal activities.

A sentencing hearing for Fewell will be scheduled following a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.