Eugene Deandre Tillery, Fentanyl Distribution, Virginia 2015

NORFOLK, Va. – In a shocking revelation, Eugene Deandre Tillery, a 20-year-old from Suffolk, Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury on seven counts of distributing Fentanyl. This potent pain killer, commonly used in the medical profession, has been a source of worry for law enforcement agencies across the nation.

According to the indictment, from November 14, 2015, through December 2, 2015, the DEA, with assistance from the Suffolk Police Department, conducted a series of controlled purchases from Tillery. The agents thought they were purchasing heroin from Tillery, but an analysis of the drugs by a laboratory revealed that the drugs were Fentanyl. The agents made six purchases from Tillery, which ranged from 45 to 100 capsules per purchase.

“Even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal,” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “There is a disturbing trend across the nation, including here in the Tidewater area, of heroin dealers adding fentanyl to their heroin to increase the potency. As a result, we have seen an alarming increase in overdoses, many of which have resulted in death. Arrests and criminal prosecutions alone will not solve this problem. We must continue to strive for increases in education, treatment, and prevention.”

“Drug dealers selling heroin-laced fentanyl or replacing the heroin entirely with fentanyl is an alarming trend and a tremendous threat to public safety,” said Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Washington Field Division. “There is no safe amount of fentanyl that can be bought on the street. We are seeing fentanyl and heroin related overdose deaths in record numbers across Virginia, as people from all walks of life are becoming addicted to these highly dangerous drugs. DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, as exemplified in this investigation, to aggressively pursue those who ruthlessly traffic these drugs.”

Tillery faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Defendant: Eugene Deandre Tillery

Criminal Charges: Seven counts of distributing Fentanyl

City and State: Suffolk, Virginia

Date: November 14, 2015, through December 2, 2015

Sentence or Outcome: Currently facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, if convicted

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/drug-dealer-indicted-distribution-fentanyl