Former Kauai resident indicted on fentanyl trafficking charge

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A former Kauai resident has been indicted in federal court on a charge of possessing fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii.

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Dakota Ianniello, 55, who formerly lived on Hanapepe, Kauai, was indicted on Thursday after being arrested in the Western District of Wisconsin on Tuesday for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.

Federal authorities say the case stems from a May 23, 2025, search, when law enforcement executed a warrant on Ianniello’s vehicle and seized about 81.5 grams of fentanyl.

After her arrest in July of this year, investigators said Ianniello admitted the fentanyl seized in May 2025 belonged to her, that she knew it was fentanyl, and that she distributed fentanyl to others.

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If convicted, Ianniello could face up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case with assistance from the Kauai Police Department, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi Turner is prosecuting.

Federal officials said the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative focused on immigration enforcement, targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and addressing violent crime.

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