A Lima man was indicted for selling fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin and cocaine, including a fentanyl analogue that resulted in an overdose, law enforcement officials said.
Lloyd T. Turks, Jr., 23, was named in five-count federal indictment. He was indicted on one count of distribution of fentanyl, methylfentanyl, heroin and cocaine; one count of distribution of methylfentanyl; one count of distribution of cocaine and two counts of distribution of U47700, a fentanyl analogue.
One of the distribution of U47700 counts carries a sentencing enhancement for causing serious physical harm, which could result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. That charge alleges that on Aug. 23, Turks sold U47700 in Lima that resulted in someone overdosing.
The indictment further alleges that Turks sold drugs on several occasions between February and August 2017.
"The opioid epidemic has ravaged every corner of our state, and we will continue to pursue comprehensive solutions to turning the tide," U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. "One tool we will use is the aggressive prosecution of those who sell the opioids that kill or injure our neighbors, friends and relatives."
"This is another example of an individual willing to distribute deadly drugs into our neighborhoods," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. "Law enforcement will continue to partner with the community in an effort to bring those that deal poison to justice."
"With Ohio being at the epicenter of the heroin epidemic killing thousands, it is only by working together that a difference can be made," said West Central Ohio Crime Task Force Commander Kevin Litsley. "The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force works closely with its counterparts at the local, state and federal levels. It is this collaboration that sends a strong message to drug dealers, who continue to illegally traffic the substances that ruin people's lives across the nation."
If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant's prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
