Career Criminal Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute

Memphis, TN – Alfonzo Manning, 42, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, agents with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force received an anonymous tip about a man with a Ford F-150 truck obstructing traffic and selling drugs on Hillcrest Street.

After a brief period of surveillance, agents approached the truck and noticed the defendant, Alfonzo Manning, was the only occupant. Officers could also see in plain view on the console, two bags of suspected narcotics. Manning was immediately placed into custody.

The drugs weighed approximately 67 grams and tested positive for fentanyl which was later confirmed at the TBI laboratory. Also found in the vehicle were digital scales. Manning had a significant amount of cash on his person.

Manning has an extensive criminal history, with prior felony convictions for domestic assault, felony theft, sale of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of heroin with intent to sell, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, criminal attempt, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell. As a result of these prior felony convictions, Manning is classified as a career offender under federal law sentencing guidelines.

On October 22, 2021, Manning pled guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

On January 26, 2022, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Manning to 188 months in federal prison to be followed by four years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the West Tennessee Drug Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Cox prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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