United States Drug Enforcement Administration

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Vernon Antwan Martin, 37, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the distribution of fentanyl to a 20-year-old University of South Carolina student, resulting in her death.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in May 2023, Columbia Police officers conducted a welfare check on a woman at a Columbia apartment after family and friends reported that they were unable to contact her. Officers found the woman dead in her apartment. An autopsy report confirmed the victim died from a fentanyl overdose. 

Based on evidence collected during the investigation, law enforcement determined on May 30, 2023, Martin distributed a counterfeit pill to the victim, which she believed to be Percocet but actually contained fentanyl. Following the victim’s death, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search at Martin’s residence, where they located additional narcotics, a firearm, and approximately $30,000. 

“There is always danger in taking prescription pills that are not prescribed to you by a legitimate health care provider. This case demonstrates how deadly a small amount of fentanyl can be,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This case is the result of law enforcement coordination at the local and federal level, and we’ll continue to aggressively prosecute those who bring fentanyl into our community. Our hearts are with this young woman’s family and loved ones as they remember a life cut short.”

“This case is a tragic example of the deadly consequences of counterfeit pills,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The victim thought they were purchasing Percocet, but they were handed fentanyl, a synthetic opioid driving overdose deaths across our nation. The defendant knew exactly what he was selling. As the DEA continues its Fentanyl-Free America campaign, today’s sentencing underscores our mission to protect communities and aggressively pursue those who knowingly distribute lethal substances.”

"Our officers worked closely with federal partners to investigate this case and ensure the individual responsible was held accountable,” said Columbia Police Chief W. H. “Skip” Holbrook. “We urge the public to understand the serious risk of taking pills that are not prescribed by a legitimate medical provider - just one can kill."

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Martin to 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Lewis also ordered that Martin pay approximately $19,000 in restitution to the victim’s family.

To learn more about DEA’s Fentanyl Free America campaign, including resources for getting help, visit DEA.gov/FentanylFree.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.