Ten-Time Convicted Felon Who Trafficked Fentanyl Causing Deaths Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison
TAMPA, Fla. – On January 11, 2022, U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced Derrick Hutchins (36, Tampa) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Hutchins had pleaded guilty on October 13, 2021.
According to court documents, on April 26, 2020, Hutchins distributed fentanyl to an individual, causing a fatal overdose in the victim’s home. On May 21, 2020, Hutchins again distributed fentanyl, this time to a law enforcement confidential source. Detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office then arrested Hutchins on state trafficking charges. Hutchins later bonded out of jail, and on July 1, 2020, again distributed fentanyl, causing another fatal overdose.
“Our country is currently in the midst of a crippling opioid epidemic, and every loss of life is devastating to our communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The Miami Field Division remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring drug dealers like Derrick Hutchins to justice and keep our Florida communities safe and healthy.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tampa District Office and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
More information about this case can be found at https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov or https://ecf.flmd.uscourts.gov.
If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov. Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).
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