A Waterloo man was sentenced to 37 years in federal prison for smuggling fentanyl into the U.S. and distributing it in the Waterloo area. 44-year-old, Javoni Marcelius Butler, was convicted last September of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, international money laundering, and possession with intent to distribute drugs.
Evidence presented at trial showed Butler traveled to Mexico multiple times between 2022 and 2023, bringing back more than 10,000 fentanyl pills and a large quantity of powder. Authorities say he directed drug activity for others, possessed firearms, and made credible threats of violence. One friend died from an overdose linked to pills acquired from Butler.
Law enforcement seized nearly $60,000 during a traffic stop and over 40 grams of fentanyl and a firearm from Butler’s residences. He will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.
Read the full press release here: j-butler-press-release-sentencing
