Michael Sellers, Fentanyl Trafficking, Rhode Island 2024

Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Busted in Providence

A major blow has been dealt to the fentanyl trafficking scene in Providence, Rhode Island, as a local man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for his role in selling the deadly pills.

According to authorities, Michael Sellers, 40, of Providence, was sentenced to 70 months of incarceration to be followed by five years of supervised release for his crimes. Sellers pleaded guilty in March to two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

At the time of his guilty plea, Sellers admitted to selling more than 1,000 counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills to an individual on at least two occasions. The transactions, which took place on November 16 and 24, 2023, were monitored by the FBI and the pills were quickly seized.

On November 16, Sellers provided the individual with 1,027 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in exchange for $2,500 in cash. Just eight days later, on November 24, Sellers provided the same person with 1,024 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in exchange for $2,500.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter I. Roklan and Stacey A. Erickson, with the FBI leading the investigation.

The sentencing comes as a warning to those involved in the illicit fentanyl trade, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island.

As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, cases like this one serve as a reminder of the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Michael Sellers, 40, of Providence, was sentenced to 70 months of incarceration to be followed by five years of supervised release for his crimes.

Sellers pleaded guilty in March to two counts of distribution of fentanyl, admitting to selling more than 1,000 counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills to an individual on at least two occasions.

The transactions, which took place on November 16 and 24, 2023, were monitored by the FBI and the pills were quickly seized.

On November 16, Sellers provided the individual with 1,027 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in exchange for $2,500 in cash. Just eight days later, on November 24, Sellers provided the same person with 1,024 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in exchange for $2,500.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter I. Roklan and Stacey A. Erickson, with the FBI leading the investigation.

The sentencing comes as a warning to those involved in the illicit fentanyl trade, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island.

As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, cases like this one serve as a reminder of the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

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