Kailua man pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Kailua man pleaded guilty Thursday to possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

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The U.S. attorney’s office said Vaughn Ludwig, 50, signed a plea agreement admitting to dealing with suppliers from November 2024 to May 2025.

Investigators arrested Ludwig in May 2025 with more than 70 grams of fentanyl and $2,708, which he said were from drug proceeds.

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The attorney’s office added that in the days leading to his arrest, Ludwig knowingly assisted others in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl from a Waikiki hotel.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 30.

Ludwig faces a 10-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and up to life in prison, plus a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life.

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One of his suppliers also pleaded guilty and will be charged separately.