A federal judge sentenced Steven McCurdy, 46, also known as “Stephen McCurdy,” “Kroger Man,” and “Plug Tunchii,” to more than 24 years in prison for distributing heroin and carfentanil that resulted in a fatal overdose, according to a July 21 announcement by D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
On May 11, 2020, victim W.B. and a witness purchased what they believed was heroin from McCurdy. The two then went to the witness’s home in Byhalia, Mississippi, where they used the drugs obtained from McCurdy. Later that night, the witness found W.B. unresponsive and called emergency services; W.B. was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined that death was caused by toxicity from both heroin and carfentanil.
During trial proceedings, another government witness identified McCurdy as “Kroger Man” or “Plug Tunchii,” stating he had sold narcotics around May 2020. Upon his arrest, McCurdy admitted to selling marijuana and narcotics but denied any overdoses resulting from his products.
After a three-day jury trial concluding on April 2, 2026, McCurdy was found guilty. On July 17, Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced him to serve 292 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release; there is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Distribution of illegal narcotics is NOT a victimless crime and poses an immense threat to public safety. The drug seller, at every level of distribution, is at the root of the pervasive cycle of drug abuse. In order to prevent needless addiction, injury, violence, and death in our communities, we must act with urgency to stop and punish drug dealers that deliver death to our fellow citizens.”
Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office said, “Steven McCurdy fueled the distribution of dangerous drugs and narcotics including heroin and carfentanil… Today’s sentence sends a clear message that individuals who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with Byhalia Police Department; it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bryce H. Phillips and Wendy K. Caceres as well as Special Assistant United States Attorney Erica Ronquillo.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee advances community safety through federal law enforcement efforts across Memphis and Jackson offices within its district jurisdiction as one among ninety-three such prosecutorial entities under the Department of Justice; it handles prosecutions for federal crimes while defending civil matters on behalf of the United States, according to its official website.