Deputy Assistant Administrator
Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration

Deputy Assistant Administrator Donetta Spears has 30 years of experience as a Diversion Investigator with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Since August, 2019, she has served as the principal advisor to the Assistant Administrator of the Diversion Control Division on all regulatory matters impacting DEA’s 1.8 million registrants. Ms. Spears participates fully in the planning, direction, and coordination of all worldwide programs associated with DEA’s efforts to counter the diversion of legally produced prescription drugs containing controlled substances and listed chemicals.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Spears served as senior advisor to the principal advisors for the Diversion Control Division and prior to arrival to DEA Headquarters was Diversion Program Manager in the Philadelphia Field Division and the Washington Field Division, where she provided management oversight to investigative groups in the Division’s area of responsibility, including the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Ms. Spears began her career as a Diversion Investigator in the Seattle Field Division in 1989. Ms. Spears has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations throughout her DEA career in recognition of many successful investigations and prosecutions, and for her leadership, performance and commitment to public service.
Ms. Spears earned her bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan University in Denver, CO and is currently working on a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA.

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