POCATELLO - Michael Simmons, 33, of Pocatello, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to distribution of a controlled substance analogue resulting in death, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Simmons was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on Sept. 13, 2017.
According court documents, on June 17, 2016, Simmons distributed a Schedule I synthetic opioid commonly known as U-47700 to victim, A.D., in Pocatello, Idaho. Simmons knew that it was a prohibited substance when distributed for human consumption, and knew that it would have the same effect on the central nervous system as an illegal substance. Simmons distributed the analogue for A.D.’s consumption. A.D. consumed the analogue, which caused A.D.’s death.
The charge for distribution of a controlled substance analogue resulting in death is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison up to life, a maximum fine of $2,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for June 20, 2018, before Chief U.S. District B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
“Our nation is in the midst of an opioid epidemic and Idaho is not immune from it," Davis said. “The Department of Justice has made combatting the opioid crisis a priority. As in this case, my office and federal law enforcement agencies are dedicated to partnering with state and local law enforcement and prosecutors to battle this epidemic."
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pocatello Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Idaho State Police and the Pocatello Fire Department.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
