HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Dakota Ianniello, 55, formerly of Hanapepe, Kauai, was indicted on July 23, 2026, after being arrested in the Western District of Wisconsin on July 21, 2026, for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.On May 23, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Ianniello’s vehicle and seized approximately 81.5 grams of fentanyl. After her arrest on July 21, 2026, Ianniello provided a statement to agents admitting the fentanyl seized in May 2025 was hers, she knew the substance to be fentanyl, and she distributed fentanyl to others.If convicted, Ianniello faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, plus a term of supervised release of at least 4 years.The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Kauai Police Department, are investigating the case.Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi Turner is prosecuting the case.This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.