Accused drug dealers may face murder charges following fentanyl overdose death
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Two men from Polk County were arrested following the drug overdose death of a Volusia County man. Detectives said the duo sold the victim fentanyl.
23-year-old Brandon Jones is a fentanyl dealer according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
He and his alleged accomplice, 32-year-old Joeffren Padilla III, are now facing lengthy prison terms of 25-year minimum mandatory sentences after deputies say they were involved in selling dangerous fentanyl to a 52-year-old man who died of an overdose in November in Volusia County.
"People have got to wake up. They've got to wake up because this fentanyl is killing you. DRT dead right there," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Booking images for Brandon Jones and Joeffren Padilla III (provided by Polk County Sheriff's Office)
The two men may also face murder charges out of Volusia County because detectives say that the victim died using their product.
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According to the sheriff's office, first responders arrived at William G. Roe Park on Nov. 6 and found the unresponsive man. He was taken to a local hospital and treated for a drug overdose. Officials said the drugs found with him tested positive for fentanyl.
File image of fentanyl pills.
On Nov. 24, he died following another suspected drug overdose. During the death investigation, detectives said they learned the victim purchased the drugs from Jones and Padilla III.
Since then, undercover detectives investigated and purchased drugs from them. In one transaction, Jones "handed Padilla a clear bag of almost 58 grams of fentanyl to give to the detective," according to a news release.
Then, they issued a search warrant at Jones' home. Officials said they found:
- 0.25 pounds of fentanyl (street value: $17,000)
- 120 grams of methamphetamine (street value: $9,280)
- Over one pound of high-grade marijuana (street value: $9,280)
The sheriff says fentanyl remains a huge problem not only in Florida but across the United States. He says it is coming thru the southern border.
File image of fentanyl.
"The fentanyl is originating its chemical compound out of China. It's going from China into Mexico, and Mexico is sending it to us," Sheriff Judd said.
Tonight, the sheriff is putting out a stern warning not only about the dangers of using fentanyl but the legal peril you could find yourself in if you’re selling it.
"We're going to do our best to take you out of circulation forever because we're not going to allow you to murder people with your drugs, your fentanyl," Sheriff Judd said.