East Pierce County Residents Plead Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution

Overview of the Case

In a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, two residents from East Pierce County, Washington, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges surrounding the distribution of fentanyl pills via a dark web marketplace. Trevor Stephen Haahr, 34, from Puyallup, and Kaeli Arielle Albert, 35, from Orting, now face potential prison sentences of up to 40 years following their guilty pleas in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. The sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2025, presided over by U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright.

The Investigation Unfolds

The investigation into these illicit activities began in early 2023 when law enforcement agencies received reports of fentanyl pills being sold on a dark web platform. During undercover operations, authorities ordered pills that were labeled to mimic M30 oxycodone. However, testing revealed the pills contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that poses significant health risks.

Using various investigative methods, Trevor Stephen Haahr was identified as the person operating the dark web marketplace. In February 2024, law enforcement intercepted a package sent by Haahr in Pierce County, which contained over 10,000 fentanyl pills.

Surveillance and Evidence

Following the identification of Haahr, law enforcement conducted surveillance and observed numerous brief meetings between him and Albert, during which cash and drugs were exchanged. These observations laid the groundwork for the execution of search warrants on March 11, 2024.

Authorities executed search warrants at multiple locations, including Haahr’s residence, office, storage locker, vehicle, and Albert’s home. In Haahr’s office, agents found him logged into the dark web vendor profile he used for transactions. The subsequent searches revealed substantial evidence, including drug proceeds and fentanyl pills.

Findings During the Searches

In Haahr’s truck and storage locker, investigators discovered not only fentanyl pills but also the necessary supplies for packaging and shipping the drugs. At Albert’s residence, law enforcement uncovered over $23,000 in cash believed to be linked to drug sales, as well as body armor, indicating the dangerous nature of their operations.

Both defendants admitted in their plea agreements to distributing more than 100,000 fentanyl-laced pills, a staggering figure that highlights the severity of their activities.

Financial Profits and Forfeiture

The investigation also revealed that Haahr had received substantial payments in bitcoin for his drug sales. At the time of the seizure, the value of the bitcoin amounted to approximately $50,000. As part of the legal proceedings, Haahr is forfeiting this cryptocurrency as part of his drug trafficking profits.

Legal Consequences

The charges filed against Haahr and Albert reflect the seriousness of their offenses. The conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in such large quantities is punishable by a maximum of 40 years in prison. Additionally, the possession with intent to distribute can lead to a sentence of up to 20 years. Haahr has pleaded guilty to both conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent, while Albert has pleaded guilty solely to conspiracy to distribute.

Despite the recommendations from prosecutors for lighter sentences based on guideline calculations, Judge Cartwright retains the discretion to impose any sentence permitted by law.

Conclusion

This case underscores the critical efforts of federal authorities, involving multiple agencies like the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Wynne and Casey Conzatti, highlighting a robust legal response to the growing concerns surrounding opioid distribution through clandestine online channels.

This development serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating the spread of fentanyl and the importance of investigative collaboration among law enforcement agencies.