DALLAS, Texas - A Dallas man who admitted operating a drug distribution network out of the now-demolished Cole Manor Motel has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on drug trafficking and firearms charges, federal prosecutors announced.
Earnest Ray Miller, also known as "Q," 54, was sentenced July 24 to 300 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas, Miller operated a drug distribution business from the Cole Manor Motel, formerly located at 7002 Harry Hines Blvd. near Dallas Love Field.
The motel was demolished on June 17 following a federal criminal investigation and a criminal nuisance lawsuit filed by the City of Dallas. Authorities said the property had become a well-known location for drug trafficking, violent crime and prostitution.
"Let this 25-year sentence serve notice to anyone who thinks they can profit from selling this poison to Texans on my watch," U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said. "This office will continue to stand up and use every tool in the tool chest to protect our communities."
Drug Enforcement Administration investigators began examining drug activity at the motel in December 2024.
According to court documents, Miller admitted the motel was a location where people routinely gathered to distribute and purchase illegal drugs, unlawfully possess firearms, commit assaults, engage in prostitution and participate in other criminal activity.
Investigators said Miller used multiple motel rooms to cut, package and distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and other controlled substances to numerous customers each day. Authorities also found that "rules" were posted inside some motel rooms for customers to follow.
On Feb. 19, 2025, DEA agents executed search warrants at multiple rooms within the motel.
Inside one room associated with Miller, agents recovered distribution quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic baggies, $19,372 in suspected drug proceeds and multiple firearms.
Miller pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker said the lengthy prison sentence holds Miller accountable for contributing to the fentanyl epidemic and removes dangerous drugs and firearms from the community.
The Drug Enforcement Administration's Dallas Division investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert prosecuted it.
