'Treasure Map' Leads VA Police To Buried Fentanyl: Prosecutors

NORFOLK, VA — Two Virginia men have pleaded guilty to drug charges after a "treasure map" one created led police to uncover nearly a pound of buried fentanyl.

Ronald Devon Matthews, 39, of Isle of Wight, pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to distribute and possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber announced Monday. Demetris Alexander Daniels, 34, of Hampton, also pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to maintaining a drug-involved premises.

According to court documents, Matthews was initially arrested at his home in Isle of Wight County on Dec. 7, 2021, and has remained in jail since that day. Following his arrest, Matthews gave Daniels permission to live in his home, prosecutors said.

Before his arrest, Matthews buried just over 383 grams of fentanyl in the ground outside his home with plans to later distribute it. On May 2, 2023, Matthews drew a map of his property indicating the location of the buried fentanyl while he was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Complex in Petersburg. According to court documents, Matthews gave the map to Daniels so he could retrieve and sell the fentanyl.

In May or June 2023, Daniels unsuccessfully tried to find the fentanyl by digging in Matthews' yard, prosecutors said.

According to court documents, officers with the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a search warrant at the home in June 2023. Authorities found the map in Daniels' bedroom and used it to find where the drugs were buried, prosecutors said.

Matthews is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11 and faces up to 40 years in prison. Daniels will be sentenced on May 1 and faces up to 10 years in prison.