Maurice Bellafonta Cathey, Fentanyl Distribution, South Dakota 2018

Two Chicago men were found guilty of multiple counts of distribution related to fentanyl overdoses in Sioux Falls.

A federal jury convicted Maurice Bellafonta Cathey and Corrod Leon Phillips of various drug distribution charges. Cathey, 39, was found guilty of conspiracy, distribution resulting in death, and distribution resulting in serious bodily injury. Phillips, 28, was convicted of conspiracy and distribution resulting in serious bodily injury.

The convictions stem from a federal investigation that revealed the duo's involvement in the distribution of heroin laced with fentanyl in Sioux Falls. The investigation led to the execution of multiple search warrants, resulting in the seizure of dozens of bindles of crack cocaine and heroin, thousands of dollars in U.S. Currency, and various drug distribution paraphernalia.

Cathey faces a mandatory minimum penalty of life imprisonment, while Phillips faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney's office said the defendants are responsible for importing and selling most of the heroin laced with fentanyl that caused so many overdoses in Sioux Falls last year. The suffering, death, and destruction they visited upon so many families in this community is immeasurable.

Phillips was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018. Cathey was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 10, 2018. Their cases were joined by a second superseding indictment on October 10, 2018.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/chicago-drug-dealers-convicted-jury-multiple-distribution-counts