U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced on Mar. 18 that Robert Graham Ward, a 43-year-old resident of Rapid City, Michigan, was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
The case is significant due to its connection with a fatal drug overdose involving a 25-year-old man in Gaylord, Michigan. According to court records, first responders found the victim deceased from an overdose at a hotel on January 12, 2025. A woman who had been with the victim before his death cooperated with law enforcement and stated she obtained drugs from Ward at his residence the day prior. Under police supervision, she later arranged another drug purchase from Ward, leading to his arrest when he arrived with several grams of heroin and fentanyl in his car. Authorities also executed a search warrant at Ward’s home and discovered over 21 grams of fentanyl.
Despite being informed that his fentanyl had caused a death and warned about being the target of a federal investigation, Ward continued drug activity. On April 4, 2025, Michigan State Police stopped him in Kalkaska County and found additional drugs in his vehicle: nearly six grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, heroin, and xylazine—an animal tranquilizer resistant to naloxone—as well as almost eight grams of methamphetamine.
“Fentanyl distribution has devastated communities large and small across our district,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “In this case, the defendant’s persistent drug dealing can be tied to the tragic loss of a 25-year-old. Our office remains steadfast in bringing to justice those responsible for endangering our citizens through drug dealing.”
Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit said: “Fentanyl trafficking continues to threaten lives and destroy families throughout Michigan. This case underscores the dangers posed by drug traffickers who disregard the death and destruction they bring to our communities. HSI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt narcotics networks, and to hold accountable those who endanger our communities with these lethal substances.”
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE), Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT), and Michigan State Police (MSP). The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Vito S. Solitro.
