Keith Wyche, Fentanyl and Heroin Distribution, New York 2017
Keith Wyche, also known as ‘Marco’, and his co-defendant Oneil Allen, have been found guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of a 43-year-old Staten-Island resident on April 18, 2017. The two defendants were also convicted of distributing heroin to a 28-year-old woman on October 27, 2017, leading to her suffering serious bodily injury.
The convictions follow a three-week trial in federal court in Brooklyn before United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry. When sentenced, both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.
According to the evidence presented in court, Wyche and Allen ran a narcotics delivery service, distributing heroin and fentanyl, among other drugs, in Staten Island. They used a stash house in New Jersey to package and prepare narcotics, and traveled daily into Staten Island to sell their illicit product.
On the days they distributed narcotics, they would alert customers early in the morning with text messages reading “Good Morning” or “Rise and Shine,” and then coordinate meetups with customers. The defendants’ operation was shut down after a thorough investigation by the NYPD and the FBI.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Office (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict.
“With today’s verdict, two drug dealers who sold lethal drugs without any regard for the lives they were endangering, have received a powerful response from the jury holding them responsible for their crimes,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “The opioid epidemic has had a devastating effect on our district, with Staten Island bearing a terrible toll, and this Office will continue working tirelessly to reduce the number of victims and the availability of dangerous drugs.”
Wyche and Allen were convicted of the following charges: distributing fentanyl resulting in death, distributing heroin, conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and distributing those narcotics. The defendants’ case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic and the importance of holding accountable those who perpetuate it.
The verdict is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies working to combat the opioid crisis. The NYPD and the FBI demonstrated their commitment to protecting the public by investigating and prosecuting the defendants for their crimes.
Defendant: Keith Wyche, also known as “Marco”, and Oneil Allen
Criminal Charges: Distributing fentanyl resulting in death, distributing heroin, conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and distributing those narcotics
City and State: New York
Exact Date: April 18, 2017, and October 27, 2017
Sentence: Mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment
Facts: The defendants ran a narcotics delivery service, distributing heroin and fentanyl, among other drugs, in Staten Island, and used a stash house in New Jersey to package and prepare narcotics.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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