David Reeves, Fentanyl Distribution, West Virginia 2023
West Virginia Substance Abuse Counselor Sentenced for Fentanyl Distribution
CHARLESTON, WV - In a shocking case of betrayal, David Reeves, a 51-year-old former substance abuse treatment counselor, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for illegally distributing fentanyl to a patient in need of treatment.
According to records, Reeves, who worked at Charleston Treatment Center (CTC) from 2016 through October 2018, had an inappropriate relationship with a patient at the facility. During this time, he admitted to giving the patient fentanyl patches he had stolen from his wife's supply, knowing the patient was being treated for opioid use disorder at CTC.
The evidence also revealed that Reeves sold fentanyl to a different patient of CTC, highlighting the severity of his actions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn handling the prosecution.
This prosecution is a result of the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit (OFADU), a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to identify and prosecute individuals contributing to the national opioid crisis. The Southern District of West Virginia is one of 12 districts nationally participating in the pilot program.
'Tragic – an employee of a substance abuse treatment center distributing fentanyl to a patient being treated for opioid use disorder,' said United States Attorney Mike Stuart, commending the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of opioid addiction and the importance of holding accountable those who exploit and harm others, particularly in a setting where trust is paramount.
As the nation continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, it is crucial that those who perpetuate this scourge are brought to justice. David Reeves' sentence sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.
Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates on this and other cases: @SDWVNews
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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