Tampa Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Two Deaths
In a recent case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida sentenced a defendant, who for purposes of this article, we will refer to as M.L.M., to life imprisonment. You may wonder, what was his offense? Two counts of distributing fentanyl and causing the death of two people, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. M.L.M., aged 39, has an extensive record of drug-related crimes. The judge sentenced M.L.M. to life in prison for each count of fentanyl distribution resulting in death and thirty years on the other count. These judges ordered the federal sentences to be served consecutively to the state prison sentences the convict was already serving in the state’s Department of Corrections.
About the Case
The events that led to the defendant’s federal indictment started in April and May 2021, when two separate overdose deaths happened in Hillsborough County, Florida. In the first incident, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies found K.K.’s body in his apartment after responding to a wellness check. Evidence collected from the scene included two baggies containing fentanyl.
During the investigation, detectives tracked communications on K.K.’s phone that revealed he had tried buying heroin but ultimately got fentanyl from M.L.M. through a third party. The woman who facilitated the transaction confirmed that M.LM. was her supplier and gave the detectives his number.
Two weeks after K.K.’s body was discovered, the second victim, N.M., was discovered dead by his son. Like in the previous case, a baggie with a small amount of fentanyl was found at the scene, specifically in N.M.’s wallet. Investigators found that the last person N.M. had talked to was M.L.M. They orchestrated a sting operation to apprehend M.L.M. in the act. Although M.L.M. tried to run away after realizing something was not right, he was apprehended by an arrest team after a short pursuit.
Upon investigating N.M.’s and K.K.’s deaths, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that fentanyl use had caused the deaths.
M.L.M.’s History of Drug Trafficking
At the time of his arrest, M.L.M. was already a convicted felon. His criminal record included;
- Cocaine trafficking, for which he was sentenced to five years in state prison. He had already served this sentence by the time he was convicted of the 2021 offenses.
- Fentanyl trafficking and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He was serving a seven-year sentence in state prison when he was convicted of the 2021 crimes.
U.S. Code § 841
Fentanyl distribution cases that result in death in Florida are often prosecuted at the federal level under 21 U.S.C. Section 841(b)(1)(c). Under this statute, the offense of distribution-resulting-in-death is punishable by a sentence of not less than 20 years in jail and up to life imprisonment.
What To Do if You Are Facing Charges
If you are facing fentanyl distribution-resulting-in-death charges, it is vital to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled attorney can help you develop a strong defense strategy. Defense strategies may include challenging the cause of death and arguing lack of intent or knowledge.
Contact an Orlando Drug Trafficking Lawyer
If you are facing serious drug trafficking charges in Florida, it is crucial that you don’t wait to speak to an attorney. Contact a skilled Orlando drug trafficking lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, P.A., today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-man-history-drug-trafficking-sentenced-life-imprisonment-distributing-fentanyl
