Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Marquis Lamar McCullough guilty of distributing fentanyl, which resulted in the deaths of two men from Hillsborough County. Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the verdict, which includes two counts of distribution and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. McCullough faces mandatory life imprisonment due to his previous conviction for trafficking cocaine.

The case stemmed from incidents in April 2021. On April 22, deputies discovered K.K. deceased in his apartment during a wellness check. Evidence suggested K.K. had purchased fentanyl through a woman who was also a heroin user but not a dealer. She facilitated the purchase from McCullough, known as "Slim," using money provided by K.K.

On April 28, detectives conducted a controlled purchase and identified "Slim" as McCullough delivering fentanyl.

Another incident occurred on May 6 when N.M.'s son found him dead at home. Investigators linked N.M.'s last phone communications to McCullough, indicating he was N.M.'s supplier. Detectives attempted another controlled purchase using N.M.’s phone but arrested McCullough after he fled upon receiving no response.

The Drug Enforcement Administration confirmed that substances found at both residences and those purchased on April 28 contained fentanyl. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office determined that fentanyl use caused both deaths.

The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI, DEA, and local law enforcement, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Ross Roberts.