Vernon Antwan Martin, a 37-year-old resident of Columbia, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a University of South Carolina student. The incident occurred in May 2023 when police officers responded to a welfare check at the victim's apartment after she could not be reached by her family and friends. She was found deceased, and an autopsy confirmed her death was caused by a fentanyl overdose.
Law enforcement determined that on May 30, 2023, Martin provided the victim with a counterfeit pill that appeared to be Percocet but actually contained fentanyl. After the student's death, Drug Enforcement Administration agents searched Martin’s home and discovered more narcotics, a firearm, and about $30,000.
“There is always danger in taking prescription pills that are not prescribed to you by a legitimate health care provider. This case demonstrates how deadly a small amount of fentanyl can be,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This case is the result of law enforcement coordination at the local and federal level, and we’ll continue to aggressively prosecute those who bring fentanyl into our community. Our hearts are with this young woman’s family and loved ones as they remember a life cut short.”
“This case is a tragic example of the deadly consequences of counterfeit pills,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The victim thought they were purchasing Percocet, but they were handed fentanyl, a synthetic opioid driving overdose deaths across our nation. The defendant knew exactly what he was selling. As the DEA continues its Fentanyl-Free America campaign, today’s sentencing underscores our mission to protect communities and aggressively pursue those who knowingly distribute lethal substances.”
"Our officers worked closely with federal partners to investigate this case and ensure the individual responsible was held accountable,” said Columbia Police Chief W. H. “Skip” Holbrook. “We urge the public to understand the serious risk of taking pills that are not prescribed by a legitimate medical provider - just one can kill."
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis imposed a sentence of 240 months in prison for Martin, followed by three years of supervised release. Martin must also pay approximately $19,000 in restitution to the victim’s family. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.
More information about efforts against fentanyl distribution can be found through DEA’s Fentanyl Free America campaign at DEA.gov/FentanylFree.
