COLUMBUS, Ohio – Darnell A. Reeves, 32, of Delaware, Ohio, was arrested today and charged federally with distributing fentanyl that caused at least one overdose death.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Delaware County Prosecutor Carol O’Brien, Delaware County Sheriff Russell L. Martin and other members of the Delaware County Drug Task Force announced the charges.
According to the complaint, investigators traced fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine back to Reeves (also known as Bookie), after they responded to the scene of an overdose death in Ostrander, Ohio on February 28. The victim was found on a couch in a shed, slumped forward with a used syringe under him.
Reeves also allegedly provided the heroin to a second victim that caused two nonfatal overdoses in February 2018. On one occasion, medics reportedly gave the second victim four doses of Narcan.
Possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury and/or death carries a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison.
“This case is an example of how all levels of law enforcement are working together to trace overdose deaths back to their alleged suppliers and prosecute in the most appropriate venue,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “We will continue to collaborate in order to combat the impact of fentanyl and heroin on our communities.”
“The charges against Mr. Reeves tragically illustrate how frequently these deadly drugs are claiming the lives of our community members, especially here in Ohio with over 4000 deaths each year since 2016,” said Steve Francis, HSI special agent in charge for Michigan and Ohio. “HSI is committed to stopping the flow of these highly dangerous drugs into our communities and holding those who distribute this poison accountable for their actions.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by HSI and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Deputy Criminal Chief Michael Hunter, who is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
