DETROIT - Two brothers from Oregon, Ohio have been sentenced on charges of distributing and conspiring to distribute fentanyl resulting in the overdose death of a victim, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin.
Joining Mohsin in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division, and Chief Charles F. McCormick IV, Monroe Police Department.
Both Harry Clifford Wise, 39, and James Allen Wise, 32, received a sentence of 96 months in federal prison.
According to court records, on April 1, 2017, the Monroe Police Department responded to a house in the 300 block of E. 4th St. on a report of a deceased 33-year-old male. An investigation revealed that the male victim had died of an opioid overdose. The Monroe Police Department conducted a thorough investigation which uncovered that two brothers from Oregon, Ohio had supplied the victim with the mixture of fentanyl and heroin that took his life.
Both brothers were indicted on December 4, 2018, on charges of delivery of fentanyl and heroin causing death and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Harry Wise pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, 2019 and James Wise pleaded guilty on September 5, 2019. Their sentencings were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also charged in this case was Odell McGee, a drug source for the Wises. McGee pleaded guilty to the fentanyl/heroin conspiracy and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on Sept. 21, 2021.
"Overdose deaths from heroin and fentanyl are a national epidemic, including here in Michigan," Mohsin said. "Law enforcement agencies are working closely together to investigate and prosecute traffickers who are contributing to this epidemic."
DEA Special Agent in Charge Martin said, “It is a priority of DEA to identify and investigate those who distribute drugs that result in overdose and death. The charges announced today should make it clear to all drug dealers that they will face consequences, for the harm that they inflict on the user and on society. The Monroe Police Department deserves significant credit for devoting the time and effort needed to successfully investigate and bring these individuals to prosecution."
Monroe Police Chief Charles F. McCormick IV stated, “I would like to thank the DEA for their partnership in this investigation, and a special thank you to MPD’s D/Lt. Derek Lindsay for his relentless efforts to seek justice in this case".
This investigation was led by the Monroe Police Department in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Lievense.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
