FARGO – A Park River man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a fentanyl overdose death in Grafton, North Dakota.
Zachary David Chyle, 26, was sentenced on July 31, 2017, to 15 years in prison for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Death, and a second count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Death.
Chyle was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release, pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund, and pay restitution of $7894.58.
According to court documents, Chyle provided furanyl fentanyl to Eugene D. Mecham, 30, of Grafton, which resulted in Mecham’s overdose death on August 26, 2016.
Mecham’s father discovered him dead in the basement of their home, and an autopsy revealed that the cause of death was sudden and unexpected death associated with furanyl fentanyl intoxication.
An investigation revealed that Chyle had introduced Mecham to the opioid and later acquired more through the DarkNet, which he prepared and provided to Mecham.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security; North Dakota Bureau of Investigation and Crime Lab; Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force; Walsh County Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney; and the Grafton Police Department, with forensic and autopsy assistance from the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences Department of Pathology.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Rodenbiker.
The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of holding those responsible for its distribution accountable.
Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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