A former substance abuse treatment counselor in West Virginia has been sentenced to prison for distributing fentanyl to patients. David Reeves, 51, of Beckley, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for illegally distributing fentanyl to a substance abuse treatment patient.
According to the United States Attorney Mike Stuart, Reeves admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a patient at Charleston Treatment Center (CTC), where he worked as a counselor from 2016 through October 2018. Reeves admitted to giving the patient fentanyl patches he had stolen from his wife’s supply, and at the time he gave the patient the fentanyl, he knew the patient was being treated for opioid use disorder at CTC.
The evidence also showed that Reeves sold fentanyl to a different patient of CTC. United States Attorney Mike Stuart commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, stating that the situation is "tragic" and that an employee of a substance abuse treatment center distributing fentanyl to a patient being treated for opioid use disorder is unacceptable.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn handled the prosecution. The prosecution is the result of the formation of the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit (OFADU), a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to identify and prosecute individuals that are contributors to the national opioid crisis.
The Southern District of West Virginia is one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the pilot program. The initiative aims to hold individuals accountable for their role in the opioid crisis and to prevent further abuse and distribution of opioids. In this case, Reeves’ actions as a counselor were a clear breach of trust and a violation of the law.
The sentence of 16 months in prison serves as a reminder that those who engage in illegal activities, particularly those who exploit vulnerable individuals, will be held accountable. The case against Reeves highlights the importance of the OFADU and the need for continued efforts to combat the opioid crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial that law enforcement and prosecutors remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice and their efforts to protect the public.
In conclusion, the sentencing of David Reeves serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of the opioid crisis and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors who are working tirelessly to combat the crisis and protect the public.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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