LEXINGTON, Ky. – In a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl trafficking, Akili O. Simpson, 23, a Danville, Ky., man, was sentenced to 26 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death.
Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves handed down the sentence on Friday, marking the culmination of a federal investigation into Simpson’s activities as a major fentanyl dealer in Danville.
According to the plea agreement, Simpson conspired with others to distribute quantities of fentanyl in Danville from March 2022 until July 2023. He admitted to law enforcement that he obtained approximately 300 to 500 counterfeit pills per month for distribution in the area. These pills, marked to resemble oxycodone, contained fentanyl – a substance about 100 times stronger than oxycodone.
The investigation revealed that Simpson’s distribution of fentanyl resulted in the overdose death of a victim in Danville on November 3, 2022. Instagram messages on the victim’s phone showed that Simpson was the source of the fentanyl that caused the overdose death.
Law enforcement executed multiple search warrants and found two firearms, ammunition, marijuana, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a drug ledger, and a money counting machine. Simpson admitted to knowing that the pills contained fentanyl and that he distributed them to individuals in Danville.
United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV, praised the outstanding work of the Danville Police and the DEA in disrupting the illicit fentanyl trade. “This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and the devious methods of those selling it,” he said. “Dealers often distribute fentanyl in the form of counterfeit pills, but while they may look like legitimate pharmaceuticals, the pills contain fentanyl – a substance about 100 times stronger than oxycodone.”
Erek Davodowich, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Louisville Division, added that “Illicit Fentanyl is the greatest drug threat facing America today, and people like Mr. Simpson, who sow misery and death in our communities, should expect to meet the full weight of the justice system for their actions.”
Under federal law, Simpson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Related Federal Cases
- Lexington Man Gets 188 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking, Machine Gun Possession · Kentucky
- Lexington Dealer Joshua Ewing Sentenced to Life for Fentanyl Death · Kentucky
- Lexington Dealer Gets Life for Deadly Fentanyl · Kentucky
- Fayette County Man Gets 78 Months for Fentanyl, Gun Charges · Kentucky
- Lexington Dealer King Gets 80 Months for Fentanyl & Firearm · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|
- Source: Official Source ↗
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