James Smith, Fentanyl Poisoning, Michigan 2023

LANSING – In a devastating case of fentanyl poisoning, two men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the distribution of controlled substances in April 2023 that resulted in numerous fentanyl poisonings in Kalamazoo County, at least seven fatal, and numerous others non-fatal.

James Smith, 42, and Patrick Donald Martin, 27, both of Kalamazoo County, were sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death. According to court records, on April 12 and continuing into April 13, 2023, law enforcement responded to numerous drug poisonings in the Kalamazoo area, which resulted in multiple hospital admissions and fatalities.

Investigators traced the deadly substance back to Martin, and ultimately, to Smith, both of whom thought they were selling cocaine, when they were in fact selling a substance that contained fentanyl. Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Martin received a 4-year sentence.

‘The distribution of fentanyl continues to take lives and destroy our communities and families,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Byerly Birge. ‘The sentences imposed on the defendants in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes. Our office will continue to support these investigations and prosecute these cases to seek accountability and justice for the victims.’

Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou remarked that drug dealing is inherently dangerous regardless of what the dealer thinks he is selling, especially today, when most drugs ‘have fentanyl in it—it’s just that prevalent.’

In sentencing Smith, Judge Jarbou found it ‘inexplicable’ that Smith continued to sell drugs months after he became aware of the mass poisoning in April 2023 that was caused, at least in part, by his drug dealing. ‘That tells me the consequences of your actions did not deter you,’ said Judge Jarbou before imposing the 20-year sentence on Smith.

The sentences have been met with relief and support from local law enforcement, who have been working to combat the fentanyl crisis in Kalamazoo County. ‘April 13, 2023, was a sad day in Kalamazoo County,’ said Captain Mike Ferguson, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team/Crime Reduction Team. ‘We extend our condolences to the families who were deeply affected by this tragedy. Hopefully, these sentences will allow some closure to those involved.’

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Portage Department of Public Safety, and the Michigan State Police. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, there are resources available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-4357, and information can be found at www.samhsa.gov/find-support/in-crisis.

This article is part of Grimy Times’ ongoing coverage of the Kalamazoo fentanyl crisis. Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.

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