Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Meth Conspiracy

Kansas City, Missouri, October 6, 2025

News Summary

Donnique H. Kelley, a 36-year-old from Kansas City, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a conspiracy distributing substantial amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl. His activities included multiple drug sales to law enforcement, and he faces a possible sentence of 10 years to life in prison without parole. The Jackson County Drug Task Force reports concerning fentanyl trends in the area, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis and affecting community safety.

Kansas City—Donnique H. Kelley, a 36-year-old man from Kansas City, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to a conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. This plea occurred before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark as the opioid crisis continues to escalate across the nation.

Kelley was implicated in a conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine and 40 grams of fentanyl. Investigators uncovered his activities during a series of operations where he sold these drugs to law enforcement officers on at least seven occasions between December 14, 2022, and March 23, 2023. The severity of the charges is underscored by a traffic stop on September 12, 2023, in which a co-conspirator was apprehended with a substantial amount of illegal substances, including 4.45 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2.02 kilograms of marijuana, and $14,382 in cash.

As a result of his guilty plea, Kelley faces a sentence that could range from 10 years to life in federal prison without parole. The final sentencing will depend on the court’s assessment of advisory guidelines and other statutory factors, following a presentence investigation.

According to the Jackson County Drug Task Force, there is a worrying trend in the distribution of fentanyl in the area, with over 1,400 grams of fentanyl seized in 2025, potentially accounting for over 700,000 lethal doses. Prosecutor Melesa Johnson has highlighted the persistent threat of fentanyl and praised the task force’s efforts to bolster community safety in the face of an ongoing fentanyl epidemic. Officer Dan Cummings, who leads the task force, elaborated on the dangers posed by drug dealers, particularly those mixing fentanyl with other narcotics.

The Jackson County Drug Task Force comprises detectives from a blend of local police departments, along with federal and state partners, and receives funding through Jackson County’s COMBAT program. In the year 2024 alone, the task force managed to confiscate controlled substances valued at over $35 million, along with seizing 127 firearms.

In a related case in nearby Leavenworth, two individuals were arrested in connection with the fentanyl-related death of a toddler. Tara Huerta, 40, was taken into custody on August 15, 2025, followed by Kenneth Hedgecock, 34, days later. The child had been found unresponsive on March 26, 2025, with the autopsy confirming death by acute fentanyl toxicity. Investigators discovered methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in the apartment where the incident occurred. Both Huerta and Hedgecock are facing charges that include first-degree murder and various drug-related offenses.

Following the tragic death of a child due to fentanyl, a review has been initiated to examine systemic failures that may have contributed to these heartbreaking incidents. Recent statistics indicate that since 2020, fentanyl has caused the deaths of at least 150 children under 18 in Kansas and Missouri, with toddlers being disproportionately affected. However, preliminary data suggests a decline in pediatric fatalities due to fentanyl in Missouri. This improvement is believed to be linked to heightened public awareness and enhanced child welfare protocols aimed at preventing future tragedy.

Authorities continue to seek effective strategies to avert deadly fentanyl exposure and reduce the overall impact of the opioid crisis gripping the nation.

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HERE Resources

Kansas City Indictments in Major Drug and Gun Trafficking Case
Charges Filed in Fentanyl Distribution Case in Kansas City
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Multistate Retail Theft Conspiracy

Additional Resources

• KMBC: Jackson County Fentanyl Task Force Seizures 2025
• Wikipedia: Fentanyl
• KCTV5: Kansas City Woman Accused of First-Degree Murder
• Google Search: fentanyl crisis
• JC Post: Recent Drug Enforcement Activity
• Google Scholar: fentanyl
• Kansas City Star: Local News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fentanyl
• KTTN: Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty
• Google News: fentanyl opioid crisis

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.