Christopher Tyler, Fentanyl Distribution, West Virginia 2019

Fentanyl Dealer Arrested in Charleston, West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston man has been brought to justice for his role in the distribution of a deadly fentanyl mixture, resulting in the tragic loss of a local woman's life.

Christopher Tyler, 27, of Charleston, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea today to a single count information charging him with distributing a mixture containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl. According to the United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart, Tyler was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).

“Tragic. Fentanyl is so deadly. Last year, my office seized enough fentanyl to kill nearly the entire population of West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working tirelessly to prosecute every fentanyl dealer we can find. We’ve lost too many of our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to this poison.”

Tyler admitted to exchanging text messages with a female in Charleston on August 29, 2018, agreeing to sell her a substance they both believed to be heroin. The female came to Tyler’s house on Glover Street in Charleston to pick up the substance and gave Tyler money. Toxicology testing done by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the substance Tyler sold to the female was a mixture of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and acetyl fentanyl, a schedule I controlled substance.

The victim’s death was a direct result of Tyler’s actions, and his guilty plea serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of fentanyl distribution. Tyler faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 6, 2019, before Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber.

Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the investigation. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the opioid epidemic and bring those responsible for its devastating effects to justice.

The public is reminded of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of seeking help for addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek help immediately.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/charleston-man-pleads-guilty-distribution-fentanyl-mixture