‘Treasure map’ leads to 2 guilty pleas after investigators find buried fentanyl

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — While it’s not uncommon to use a backyard to bury objects such as a time capsule or even a beloved deceased pet, one man created a “treasure map” to find his not-so-legal treasure in his backyard.

After being arrested at his home in Isle of Wight County on Dec. 7, 2021, 39-year-old Ronald Matthews has remained in police custody. During his incarceration, he allowed 34-year-old Demetris Daniels to stay at his home.

Matthews was indicted by a grand jury on Aug. 11, 2022, on gun charges and, after pleading guilty, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison on Feb. 24, 2023.

However, before he was arrested, Matthews buried 383.02 grams of fentanyl in the ground outside his home for future distribution. Daniels was tasked with digging up the fentanyl to sell, and Matthews drew a map of his property showing where it was buried and gave it to Daniels.

In addition to the map, Matthews reached out to a witness to help Daniels find the drugs. After failing to find the fentanyl by himself, Daniels reached out to the witness to help him. They agreed to meet up on June 18, 2023.

Two days before the witness was going to help, the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant. Law enforcement found the “treasure” map conveniently showing the location of the buried fentanyl.

On Sept. 30, Matthews pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.

Daniels pled guilty Monday to being an accessory after the fact to maintaining a drug-involved premises. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2025, and faces up to 10 years in prison.

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