Attorneys in Lexington’s U.S. Attorney’s Office are noting the importance of minimum sentences for opioid trafficking convictions tied to overdose deaths. Three convictions in federal court occurred Monday.
Under federal law, defendants convicted in these overdose related deaths are subject to a minimum 20 year sentence, life if they have a prior conviction. U.S. Attorney Kerry Harvey detailed three cases from Woodford, Madison, and Fayette Counties. Jennifer Powell’s sister Jolene died in the summer of 2015. “My sister was not just an overdose statistic. Her life mattered and it had meaning. I know this when I look into the faces of her children and I still see her,” said Powell.
Powell’s advice to anyone struggling with addiction considering that next pill is to reach out to someone, anyone, adding there’s no shame in having a problem.
U.S. Attorney Harvey says reducing the supply of deadly drugs like heroin and fentanyl can happen through successful prosecution, examining pain pill prescription practices, and prevention through education. “Ten years from now I think there will be a reduced demand because there must be a reduced demand. We can’t continue with where we are,” noted Harvey.
Richmond Investigator Ben Spalding says there were 31 overdose deaths in Madison County in 2015. He says the man convicted this week was likely responsible for a majority of those deaths
