"448 Whole Lotta Weight” Investigation Leads to Nearly 29 Years in Prison

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Two defendants connected to the “448 Whole Lotta Weight” investigation have been sentenced to a combined nearly 29 years in prison for fentanyl-related offenses.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Keanthony Cavion Lowrance of Forest City was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years and nine months in state prison after being convicted of two counts of Trafficking Fentanyl.

Just two days later, on Thursday, August 27, Ricketta Ann Twitty of Bostic was sentenced in federal court in Asheville to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

The sentences stem from the “448 Whole Lotta Weight” investigation, which involved extensive cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies. The investigation was the result of collaborative efforts by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Forest City Police Department.

Officials also credited the Rutherford County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina for their work in prosecuting the cases.

Together, the two defendants received nearly 29 years in prison as a result of their fentanyl-related offenses.