Carl Ravon Watkins, Opioid Distribution Resulting in Death, Iowa 2020

Dubuque Man Who Sold Opioids that Caused Fatal Overdose Sentenced to 20 Years’ Federal Prison

A Dubuque man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for selling a fatal opioid cocktail. Carl Ravon Watkins, 30, was sentenced on October 14, 2020, to 240 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to distribution of controlled substances resulting in death.

The crime took place on August 19, 2019, when Watkins sold a woman what he claimed was heroin. The woman, who was later identified as the victim, took the mixture home and used it that night, losing consciousness. Her boyfriend found her hours later, unconscious and not breathing. Emergency responders were unable to revive the woman, and she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy determined that the woman's death was caused by mixed drug toxicity, specifically from fentanyl and an analogue of fentanyl called acetyl fentanyl. During a search of the woman's bedroom, officers found a chunky white substance that tested positive for fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl.

Watkins also admitted to selling opioids to undercover officers the day after the woman's death. He was arrested and found to be in possession of a baggie containing about a quarter gram of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl.

Watkins is being held in the United States Marshal's custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. He was ordered to make $7,233 in restitution to the victim's family for funeral expenses and must serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.

The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham. The case file number is 19-CR-01043-CJW-MAR.

The crime of distribution of controlled substances resulting in death is a serious offense that carries severe penalties. In this case, Watkins' actions resulted in the loss of life and devastating consequences for the victim's family. This sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and the consequences of opioid trafficking.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/dubuque-man-who-sold-opioids-caused-fatal-overdose-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison