Detroit man indicted for selling carfentanil that killed Marion man

A Detroit man was indicted for selling carfentanil that killed a man in Marion last year, law enforcement officials said.

Ronald Dale Wilson, Jr., 24, was charged in U.S. District Court with drug trafficking and drug trafficking that resulted in death.

Wilson possessed carfentanil and cocaine on Oct. 31. 2016. Wilson sold cocaine and carfentanil on that day to an individual identified as K.C., which resulted in K.C.’s overdose death, according to the indictment.

“We will continue to seek long prison sentences for drug traffickers who kill our neighbors and destroy our families,” U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon said. “Aggressive law enforcement is one component to confronting the opioid epidemic, along with increased education, changing prescribing practices and making treatment available to those who want help.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said: “Heroin use continues to increase in astonishing proportions with overdose deaths in Ohio being among the highest in the country. Individuals, like Ronald Dale Wilson, Jr., will be held accountable for selling illegal drugs that kill. Efforts to rid the streets of heroin and other dangerous drugs remains a top priority for the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and the community.”

“We hope word is getting out that if you sell drugs in Marion and cause the death of another you are looking at a possible 20-year sentence," Marion Police Chief Bill Collins said. “We hope this proves to be a stronger deterrent to the thugs who choose to sell drugs in Marion.”

The charges include an enhanced penalty specification which could result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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 violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marion Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Freeman.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.