Madison man indicted in connection with fentanyl related death

BIRMINGHAM –A federal jury on Thursday indicted a Madison man for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid painkiller, which resulted in a person’s death, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris.

A one-count indictment charges Jonathan Ryan Miller, 38, with conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl that resulted in a person’s death in December 2017.

“Opioids, especially Fentanyl, are deadly and are responsible for too many overdoses in the Northern District,” Town said.  “The safety and well-being of our communities remains my top priority and we will continue to counter the distribution of opioids by aggressively bringing these dealers to justice.”

“Today and once again, DEA provided a measure of justice to a family who lost a loved one.  The scourge of opioid abuse is ravaging our country and we continue to see evil people kill others by selling heroin laced with fentanyl.  We will continue to provide a voice for those who have been killed by greedy, unscrupulous individuals.  The same individuals who care nothing about the lives of those who they continue fueling their addictions even to the point of death.  DEA is as steadfast as every in our fight.”

The penalty for distributing a controlled substance that results in death is 20 years to life in prison and a maximum $1 million fine.

DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher Sr. is prosecuting.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.