Dustin Ellis, Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Death, Oklahoma 2024

A devastating fentanyl overdose in Indian country has landed four defendants in federal prison, serving a total of 406 months collectively. The case serves as another tragic reminder of the destructive power of fentanyl, with the Court describing it as 'the single deadliest drug threat our country has ever encountered.'

According to court documents, Dustin Ellis, 32, Pamela Payne, 40, Sierra Mandrell, 30, and Nicholas Sweeten, 27, all of Grady County, were involved in the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Grady County resident on April 3, 2023. The four defendants conspired to distribute pills containing fentanyl on or about April 2, 2023.

Ellis, Payne, Mandrell, and Sweeten each pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the distribution of fentanyl. As part of their pleas, Payne and Mandrell admitted to distributing a substance containing fentanyl, while Sweeten admitted to facilitating the deal. Ellis pleaded guilty on October 5, 2023, and the other three defendants pleaded guilty on November 2, 2023.

On May 21, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Ellis to serve 240 months in federal prison, while Payne was sentenced to serve 100 months and Sweeten to serve 30 months. Mandrell was sentenced on May 6, 2024, to serve 36 months in federal prison.

Each of the four defendants will also serve five years of supervised release upon their release from prison. The case is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Grady County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation Office of Tribal Justice Administration. Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell and Assistant U. S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes prosecuted the case.

This case highlights the devastating consequences of fentanyl distribution and the importance of holding accountable those involved in this deadly trade. The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to seek justice for families suffering with the loss of loved ones caused by fentanyl.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/pr/fatal-fentanyl-overdose-indian-country-lands-four-defendants-federal-prison-more-33