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Cincinnati man sentenced to 16 years for selling fentanyl to a high school student
A Cincinnati man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for selling fentanyl to a high school student, causing a near-fatal overdose in March 2019.
Marcus Phoenix, 33, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 192 months in prison for distributing fentanyl that led to the near-fatal overdose of a high school student.
The high school student had texted Phoenix and requested $20 worth of ‘fire,’ believing it to be Percocet, which he had purchased from Phoenix in the past.
However, the substance turned out to be fentanyl, and the student overdosed. After two doses of Narcan failed to stop the effects, emergency room doctors performed life-saving surgery. The student spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, requiring extensive physical therapy to regain the ability to walk and perform other daily tasks.
When teens seek out prescription opioids, they are often buying counterfeit versions, which increasingly contain fentanyl, said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. ‘My office will continue to identify, investigate and prosecute those responsible for putting deadly drugs in the hands of our youth.’
Subsequent law enforcement investigation revealed that Phoenix, who was on probation at the time for a local aggravated drug trafficking conviction, continued to sell fentanyl in March and April 2019. A search warrant at Phoenix’s apartment in June 2019 uncovered 20 grams of fentanyl and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Phoenix was arrested on federal charges in June 2019 and pleaded guilty in May 2021. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. McFarland.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Timothy D. Oakley represented the United States in this case.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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