For the first time in River Region history, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama has convicted someone on federal charges for fentanyl trafficking that resulted in a fatality.
Lawrence Coley III, 37, of Montgomery, sold tablets that looked like oxycodone but really contained fentanyl. On Thursday, the jury found him guilty of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and distributing a controlled substance that caused death.
Within the next few months, Coley will receive his sentence, which could result in 20 years to life in federal prison.
Authorities said Coley had been providing the victim with illegal substances for more than a year. The research indicated that these drug sales took place virtually every day, often multiple times per day.
According to testimony, Coley gave the victim medications on August 26, 2022, the morning of his death. They found the victim dead in a vehicle outside a home, with the ignition on and the doors locked.
A search of Coley’s residence revealed 70 blue pills with “M” on one side and “30” on the other, according to the prosecution. Their color and markings also made them resemble genuine oxycodone tablets.
At a traffic stop, authorities discovered Coley in possession of five additional counterfeit fentanyl pills.
A medical examiner determined that the victim died from fentanyl, despite expert testimony indicating that he had four to five times the deadly amount in his blood.
“Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have become commonplace in Alabama and throughout the United States,” said US Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. “Everyone should presume that any pill not obtained from a doctor or pharmacy may contain a lethal amount of fentanyl or another hazardous substance. We dedicate our office to holding accountable those who sell these hazardous medications.”
“The top priority of the Drug Enforcement Administration is to hold accountable those individuals and drug trafficking organizations who poison our communities with deadly drugs like fentanyl,” according to DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “Today’s conviction is a step forward in our mission to create teams that save lives and improve community safety. While we celebrate this triumph, we must remember the horrible death that resulted from this person’s callous disdain for human life. The conviction sends a clear message: we will hold accountable those who prioritize profits over people.
