United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
A Montgomery man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl pills that resulted in another man's death. Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and DEA New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer announced the sentencing of Lawrence Coley, III, who was convicted on charges of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The federal judge ordered Coley, aged 37, to serve 240 months in prison. The federal system does not offer parole.
Court records and evidence from Coley's trial earlier this year revealed that he sold pills resembling pharmaceutical oxycodone tablets. However, lab analysis showed the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, which led to the victim's death. Testimony during the sentencing hearing indicated that Coley continued selling these counterfeit pills even after learning about the victim's demise.
“This case illustrates the tragic consequences that drug trafficking can have on our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Coley’s complete disregard for the lives of others by continuing to sell his illegal drugs after causing a man’s death is disturbing."
Davidson emphasized the risks associated with non-pharmacy pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl or other deadly substances. "This sentence should serve as a warning to drug dealers - if you sell a pill and it contains fentanyl, you run the risk of spending decades in federal prison with no possibility of parole," he added.
Special Agent Hofer stated, “The Drug Enforcement Administration is dedicated to protecting our communities from the scourge of deadly drugs plaguing our communities.” He further noted that today's conviction sends a strong message against drug trafficking: "We will not tolerate the poisoning of our neighborhoods."
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Montgomery Police Department, with assistance from Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon W. Bates and Christopher P. Moore prosecuted the case.
