U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson | U.S. Department of Justice
Desmond Valentine, a 32-year-old resident of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 190 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. This sentence comes after Valentine pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
Court documents reveal that on April 14, 2022, Valentine was stopped by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers and arrested on a state charge for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. During the search, officers discovered a plastic bag containing 7.31 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin in Valentine's pocket. A 9mm Glock handgun was also found in the pocket of a jacket located in the back seat.
On the same day, IMPD officers executed a search warrant at Valentine's home in Indianapolis. They uncovered items used for preparing and processing fentanyl and heroin, including digital scales, cutting agents, and blender equipment. Further investigation revealed that Valentine had been dealing heroin and fentanyl since the summer of 2021, distributing over 400 grams of fentanyl.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) notes that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal depending on an individual's body size, tolerance, and past usage. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets have been found to contain potentially lethal doses.
Valentine is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, aggravated battery, and robbery.
"This violent felon was pumping deadly fentanyl and heroin into our community—all while illegally armed," said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "Every neighborhood deserves to be safe from criminals dealing deadly drugs and armed with deadly weapons. I commend the DEA, IMPD, and our federal prosecutors for their efforts to hold this defendant accountable and take him off our streets. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that these very serious crimes carry very serious consequences."
The case was investigated by the DEA and IMPD. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Myers extended his gratitude to Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha G. Spiro for prosecuting this case.
Authorities continue to warn against buying pills on the street due to the prevalence of counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl—a highly potent opioid now leading cause of death among adults in the United States.
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