A Delaware man faces at least 20 years in prison after a federal jury convicted him this week for conspiracy and drug distribution. He could get life in prison.
Donte Jacobs is the first person in Delaware charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl that caused the death of another person.
Jacobs was found guilty of supplying heroin to a Pennsylvania woman that contained a fatal amount of fentanyl in it. The woman was found dead in June 2016. Police were able to trace the drugs, labeled “BUTTER,” back to him.
“The message from this verdict is simple," said United States Attorney David Weiss. "If you knowingly sell a substance that may contain fentanyl and that substance causes death, we will hold you accountable."
Delaware has a state law similar to the one used in this case, but has yet to charge anyone based on it.
Rising numbers of prosecutors nationwide are using such laws to stem overdose deaths by targeting people who supply opioids.
Jacobs also pled guilty to a firearms charge. A judge will sentence him in January.