Clinton J. Johnson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
A federal jury in Tulsa has found Brandon Jerome Silas guilty of distributing fentanyl resulting in death, along with other charges including the use of communication facilities to commit a drug trafficking felony and money laundering. The 45-year-old was implicated in the death of Haley Scruggs, who was found unresponsive at her home in February 2022.
During the trial, a medical examiner confirmed that Scruggs died from fentanyl toxicity. Evidence presented included messages between Scruggs and Silas discussing the purchase of fentanyl shortly before her death. These messages also indicated that Silas had arrived at her residence.
Further evidence showed transactions on Scruggs' phone through a cash application, consistent with drug payments. Bank records revealed that over 14 months, more than $450,000 was deposited or transferred into Silas' accounts from various peer-to-peer cash applications.
Witnesses testified about purchasing pills from Silas and recounted his warnings to "be careful" when buying fentanyl. This case highlights ongoing concerns as DEA reports indicate over 133 million deadly doses of fentanyl have been seized in 2025 alone.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Oklahoma City Resident Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Charles Greenough leading the prosecution.
