A Detroit man, Melvin Lamar Triplett, aged 43, has been sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for his involvement in drug conspiracy and the distribution of drugs that resulted in death and serious bodily injury. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.

The sentencing follows a two-week trial held in September 2024, where a jury found Triplett guilty of distributing crack cocaine and fentanyl. His actions led to the overdose deaths of two individuals and a third non-fatal overdose. Additionally, he was convicted of participating in a multi-month drug trafficking conspiracy that culminated in these overdoses. Evidence presented during the trial identified Triplett as the leader of a drug trafficking operation with an established customer base. In November 2022, he distributed fentanyl-laced crack cocaine causing multiple overdoses. DEA investigators traced these lethal drugs back to him.

Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck stated, "Our office will vigorously pursue drug traffickers who push dangerous drugs like fentanyl and crack cocaine into our communities with indifference to the tragedy it inflicts." She commended the teamwork between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Attorney’s Office, and local police departments for removing "a dangerous drug trafficker" from the streets.

Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division, remarked on the impact of Triplett's criminal activities: “Two people lost their lives due to Mr. Triplett’s criminal activity and sentencing is a testament to the hard work DEA and our outstanding law enforcement partners put into this investigation.” He emphasized their commitment to pursuing those responsible for dealing drugs that cause harm within communities.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from several local police departments including Dearborn Heights Police Department, Livonia Police Department, and Garden City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Casey and Eaton Brown.