In a devastating case of fentanyl-fueled death in Indian Country, four defendants from Grady County have been slapped with a collective 406 months in federal prison for their roles in distributing the deadly substance.
The charges stemmed from the fentanyl overdose death of a Grady County resident on April 3, 2023, following a transaction involving DUSTIN ELLIS, 32, PAMELA PAYNE, 40, SIERRA MANDRELL, 30, and NICHOLAS SWEETEN, 27, all from Grady County. Ellis pleaded guilty to his part in the fentanyl distribution on October 5, 2023, while Payne, Mandrell, and Sweeten followed suit on November 2, 2023.
According to court documents, the four defendants conspired to distribute fentanyl-laced pills, leading to the tragic death. Ellis was sentenced to 240 months, Payne to 100 months, and Sweeten to 30 months in federal prison last week. Mandrell received a 36-month sentence on May 6, 2024.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office described the fentanyl as “the single deadliest drug threat our country has ever encountered.” U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl, stating, “This case is yet another tragic reminder of the damage that one fentanyl-laced pill can cause.”
The investigation was carried out 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.
As part of their sentences, the defendants will also serve five years of supervised release upon their release from prison. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the consequences of involvement in its distribution.
DEA Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez praised the collaborative effort, stating, “Ms. Mandrell is being held accountable for the poison that found its way into our neighborhoods by her hand.”
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Related Federal Cases
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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