LEXINGTON, Ky. - A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Versailles, Ky., man with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance that resulted in an overdose death.
In a two-count indictment, filed on Thursday, Gill Dewayne Garrett, 29, was charged with illegal distribution of fentanyl resulting in a death and with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. A co-defendant, Allen P. White, of Versailles, was also charged in the drug conspiracy.
According to the indictment, on or about July 1st of this year, Garrett unlawfully distributed fentanyl, a powerful opioid, to an individual who died as a result of using the drugs he provided. The indictment also alleges that, from approximately June 2015 until August 2015, Garrett and White conspired to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in Woodford County.
“This case demonstrates why our Overdose Prosecution Initiative is so important for this region. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug, far more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is turning up on our streets in increasing quantities, often with deadly results. Federal law provides for particularly severe consequences when illegal drug trafficking results in death. We intend to use every available tool to combat this terrible problem, including these enhanced penalties," said U.S. Attorney Kerry B. Harvey.
Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Joseph Reagan, Special Agent in Charge, DEA; and John Wilhoit, Chief of the Versailles Police Department, jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation was conducted by the Versailles Police Department and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury is prosecuting this case on behalf of the federal government.
A date for Garrett to appear in federal court has not yet been set. He faces a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. White faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Any sentence following a conviction, however, would be imposed after the Court considers the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal statutes.
An indictment is an allegation only. All defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial, at which the government must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
