Jacob Ebel, Murder for Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl, New York 2016

Niverville Man Faces Life in Prison for Role in Fatal Overdose Cases

In a shocking turn of events, Jacob Ebel, a 29-year-old man from Niverville, New York, has been arraigned on charges related to the distribution of heroin and fentanyl that led to the deaths of two individuals in Columbia County in July 2016.

According to the indictment, Ebel distributed heroin and fentanyl to Victim 1 on July 3, 2016, which ultimately resulted in the victim’s death. Between July 18 and July 23, Ebel distributed heroin and fentanyl to the spouse of Victim 2, who also took the drugs and died as a result.

Ebel, who has been in custody since July 26, 2016, on state drug charges, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart and was ordered detained pending a trial scheduled before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.

The charges against Ebel include distributing heroin and fentanyl that caused two overdose deaths, possessing heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and conspiring to possess and distribute heroin and fentanyl. If convicted of all charges, Ebel faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life.

The investigation, which was conducted jointly by the DEA, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police with assistance from the office of Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of heroin and fentanyl abuse.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett will be prosecuting the case, which highlights the serious consequences of distributing deadly substances and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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