Cleveland Man Charged For Selling Heroin That Led To Two Overdoses In Ohio
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Law enforcement officials announced today that a Cleveland man was indicted in federal court on charges that he sold heroin that caused at least two overdoses in Wooster, Ohio.
Demetrius L. Frizzell, 30, was indicted on six counts: two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of witness tampering. The heroin distribution charges come with a sentencing enhancement for selling heroin that caused serious bodily injury to individuals on or about Oct. 29 and Nov. 3, 2016.
If convicted on those counts, the sentences could carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Wooster police learned about a heroin overdose victim who on November 3rd was brought to an emergency room unresponsive and appeared to be deceased. He was revived after emergency-room staff administered 12 doses of Narcan. According to court documents, investigators were able to trace the sale of heroin to Frizzell.
Frizzell also sold heroin on October 29th that resulted in an overdose, according to court documents.
Frizzell, while in custody, called overdose victims and instructed them to change their statements to police, according to court documents.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’(DEA) Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division, Timothy Plancon stated, “Overdoses and overdose deaths related to heroin have become an epidemic across the country and Ohio has been hit particularly hard by this problem. Identifying and bringing to justice those individuals that distribute illegal drugs that result in an overdose, is one of DEA’s top priorities.”
“Heroin has caused an unprecedented wave of death, pain and destruction in Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon said. “No corner of the state is immune. Only though aggressive law enforcement -- combined with education and prevention efforts, changes in prescribing practices and making treatment available to those who want help -- can we turn the tide on the opioid epidemic.”
This case was investigated by the DEA, the MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency, the Wooster Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Riley.
The investigation is ongoing.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
