Minnesota State Wire

Following a four-day trial, a federal jury has convicted Antonio Trevyll McGraw-Williams, 35, of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

“This defendant knew exactly what he was doing—pushing deadly poison into our communities that he bragged was strong enough to kill. This is appalling,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “With a long and violent criminal history, this defendant made a career out of exploiting addiction and endangering lives. Today’s conviction sends a clear message: if you try to profit off of death and destruction, you will be held accountable. The people of Bemidji and greater Minnesota deserve better than to live under the threat of fentanyl-fueled addiction and loss.”

Court documents and trial evidence revealed that in the summer of 2022, special agents from the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force discovered McGraw-Williams was transporting fentanyl from Minneapolis to Bemidji for sale. McGraw-Williams allegedly boasted about the potency of his fentanyl, suggesting it could be lethal. Agents identified his presence in Bemidji at a hotel where he was distributing the drug.

Upon obtaining a search warrant for McGraw-Williams's hotel room, agents found evidence consistent with drug dealing activities: a bag containing fentanyl, drug paraphernalia such as tinfoil with user amounts, a blender for mixing drugs, scales for measuring doses, and small plastic bags for packaging drugs for users. Additionally, they found McGraw-Williams's cell phone containing text messages related to drug transactions and a receipt bearing his name. DNA analysis by experts at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed McGraw-Williams's DNA on the bag of fentanyl.

McGraw-Williams has an extensive criminal record including convictions for First Degree Aggravated Robbery, Felony Violation of Order for Protection, and Felony Domestic Assault.

The case concluded with Judge Joan N. Ericksen presiding over the trial in U.S. District Court where McGraw-Williams was found guilty on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for a later date; McGraw-Williams faces a minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment.

This case stemmed from investigations conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI, Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, Bemidji Police Department, Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew D. Forbes and Matthew D. Evans prosecuted the case.