Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Andrew Byerly Birge, announced that two men from Kalamazoo County have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in distributing controlled substances that led to a series of fentanyl poisonings in April 2023. James Smith, aged 42, received a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death. Patrick Donald Martin, aged 27, was sentenced to four years for using a communication facility to commit conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death.
"The distribution of fentanyl continues to take lives and destroy our communities and families," said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. "The sentences imposed on the defendants in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes. Our office will continue to support these investigations and prosecute these cases to seek accountability and justice for the victims."
Court records reveal that on April 12 and into April 13, 2023, law enforcement responded to multiple drug poisonings in Kalamazoo, leading to several hospital admissions and fatalities. Investigations traced the lethal substance back first to Martin and then ultimately to Smith. Both men believed they were selling cocaine but were actually distributing a substance containing fentanyl.
During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou highlighted the inherent dangers of drug dealing regardless of dealer intent, noting that most drugs today contain fentanyl due to its prevalence. Judge Jarbou expressed disbelief at Smith's continued drug sales after becoming aware of the mass poisoning incident linked partly to his actions: "That tells me the consequences of your actions did not deter you," she stated before handing down Smith's sentence.
"April 13, 2023, was a sad day in Kalamazoo County," said Captain Mike Ferguson from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team/Crime Reduction Team. "We extend our condolences to the families who were deeply affected by this tragedy. Hopefully, these sentences will allow some closure to those involved."
Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division remarked: "While these sentences cannot undo the tragic loss of life we witnessed in Kalamazoo in 2023, it sends a message that we will employ every resource to make sure those responsible for drug-related deaths face the consequences for their actions."
Several services are available for individuals experiencing substance use disorder or their loved ones:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 or visit www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis
- Cope Network offers free Naloxone and harm reduction services across various counties; contact them at 269-580-8290 or visit www.copenetwork.org
- The Grand Rapid Red Project provides similar services in Kent and Muskegon Counties; reach them at 616-456-9063 (Kent County), 231-563-6865 (Muskegon County), or visit www.redproject.org
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website lists county-specific services.
This case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Portage Department of Public Safety, and Michigan State Police.
