Ronald Dale Wilson Jr, Carfentanil Trafficking, Ohio 2016

A Detroit man has been indicted for selling carfentanil that led to a fatal overdose in Marion, Ohio, federal authorities confirmed. Ronald Dale Wilson, Jr., 24, is charged with drug trafficking and drug trafficking resulting in death, following the October 31, 2016 incident that killed a local man identified only as K.C.

According to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court, Wilson possessed both carfentanil and cocaine on the day of the incident. He allegedly sold a mixture containing the deadly synthetic opioid to K.C., who died shortly after use. Carfentanil, a substance up to 10,000 times more potent than morphine, has been linked to hundreds of overdose deaths nationwide.

“We will continue to seek long prison sentences for drug traffickers who kill our neighbors and destroy our families,” said U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon. “Aggressive law enforcement is one component to confronting the opioid epidemic, along with increased education, changing prescribing practices and making treatment available to those who want help.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony emphasized the rising toll of heroin and synthetic opioids in Ohio. “Heroin use continues to increase in astonishing proportions with overdose deaths in Ohio being among the highest in the country. Individuals, like Ronald Dale Wilson, Jr., will be held accountable for selling illegal drugs that kill.”

Marion Police Chief Bill Collins warned local dealers that the stakes have risen. “We hope word is getting out that if you sell drugs in Marion and cause the death of another you are looking at a possible 20-year sentence. We hope this proves to be a stronger deterrent to the thugs who choose to sell drugs in Marion.”

The charges against Wilson include an enhanced penalty specification, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. The case was investigated by the FBI and Marion Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman. An indictment is not evidence of guilt; the government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

RELATED: Dayton Man Stashed 11 Kilos of Deadly Drugs

RELATED: Larry Nassar Indicted on Federal Child Porn Charges