Lawrence man pleads guilty to fentanyl distribution

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Jadarrius J. Smith, 25, of Lawrence, pleaded no contest to unlawful distribution of fentanyl. 

“Fentanyl is a significant threat to our community and holding dealers accountable is critically to ensuring public safety,” District Attorney Valdez said. 

Charges stemmed from a law enforcement investigation led by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Sentencing was set by Judge Amy Hanley for 10 a.m., on September 13, 2024, at the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.

Smith faces between 46 and 83 months in prison for each conviction. Smith also must register as a drug offender for 15 years. 

Deputy District Attorney David Greenwald represented the State of Kansas. The matter was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.