Nalerton Charles, Fentanyl and Heroin Distribution, New York 2018

New York — Federal prosecutors have unsealed a criminal complaint charging Nalerton Charles, also known as ‘Lite,’ with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl and heroin in Staten Island. Charles was arrested earlier today and is set for arraignment this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.

United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue, DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, and NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill jointly announced the charges against Charles. ‘As alleged, Charles sold heroin laced with fentanyl without regard for the deadly consequences,’ said Donoghue, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

DEA’s Donovan echoed the sentiment: ‘Fentanyl is a leading killer; every time it’s used, lives are at risk. We will continue to protect our communities from such traffickers.’ NYPD Commissioner O’Neill added, ‘We will stop at nothing to fight crime and keep everyone safe. I commend the efforts of all involved in this investigation.’

According to the complaint, Charles sold over 40 grams of fentanyl and heroin between July 2018 and April 2019. His sales were linked to two fatal overdoses on Staten Island: one in September 2018 and another in April 2019. The investigation also uncovered text messages between Charles and a victim who later died from an overdose.

Charles was also caught selling pure fentanyl, potentially lethal doses, to both an undercover officer and a confidential source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50, with fentanyl being a significant contributor to this increase. If convicted, Charles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, up to 40 years.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Department of Justice Trial Attorney Miriam L. Glaser Dauermann of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

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