INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County continues to see an alarming number of fatal overdoses as fentanyl continues to flood communities.
According to the Marion County Coroner’s Office, 171 people have already lost their lives this year from a drug overdose with more than 700 people dying last year.
In many of these cases, drug dealers are not held accountable, but the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is determined to change that.
In 2018, a law went into effect allowing the prosecution of drug dealers who cause a death. The charge is called “Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death” which carries a 20- to 40-year sentence.
Since then, 16 cases have been filed in Marion County with three convictions so far.
In the last week, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office filed three of those cases.
One of those is against Alfonso Suarez, who is charged with two counts of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death.
Juan Vasquez told 13News one of the victims was his cousin, Gregory Vasquez.
"He was a character. He enjoyed life. He was always doing something for us," Vasquez said.
Now, he is relieved to see someone be held accountable.
“I think there’s a lot of people out here that think they can just get away with it,” Vasquez said.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears credits the increase in case filings to an ongoing collaboration with IMPD, Marion County Coroner’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“None of us up here are suggesting that the solution to our drug problem is enforcement and enforcement alone. That’s not what we are saying, but we do believe that there is an important part that all of us can play in helping to slow down the supply and deter people from using and selling these types of drugs,” Mears said.
Between 2018 and 2021, IMPD brought forth two cases of dealing a controlled substance resulting in death.
Since 2022, IMPD brought forward 12 cases, with most of the cases coming in 2023. This represents a nearly 500% increase since 2021.
“Our presence here this morning is not about a victory lap. Instead, it is intended to send a clear message and bold message that law enforcement will make available all resources to hold those accountable for taking advantage of people who are drug addicted or vulnerable,” said IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams.
However, building a strong case can be a challenge, especially when the key witness is gone.
Prosecutors are instead relying on information captured in cell phone data and cash app transactions to link dealers to their victims. They are also working closely with the DEA.
“For the people who continue to do this and peddle this poison in our community, we are going to find out who you are and we are going to investigate you and if we need to, we are going to hold you accountable for your actions,” said Michael Gannon, assistant special agent in charge with the DEA.
The following cases have been filed since 4/24:
- Defendant: William Warren
- Victim: Kashe Mullins
- Defendant: Alfonso Suarez
- Victims: Gregory Vasquez, Patricia Perusquia
- Defendant: Shemika Campbell
- Victims: Jacqlyn Rice, Ryan Parsons