Montgomery man convicted for drug distribution that resulted in death from fentanyl

A man from Montgomery has been convicted for distribution of a controlled substance that resulted in a death from taking fentanyl and for possession of the drug with intent to distribute. 

“The top priority of the Drug Enforcement Administration is to hold accountable those individuals and drug trafficking organizations who poison our communities with deadly drugs like fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer.

“Today’s conviction is a step forward in our mission to build teams that save lives and make communities safer. While we celebrate this victory, we must remember the tragic death caused by the callous disregard for human life exhibited by this individual. The conviction sends a clear message: those who choose profit over people will be held accountable.”

Lawrence Coley, III, was found guilty by a federal trial on Aug. 15. An announcement from U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama said that on Aug. 26 Montgomery police were alerted to an unresponsive person in a vehicle. 

When police were able to get into the vehicle they found that the person was dead but did not display any signs of trauma or serious injury. A medical examiner later found that the victim had died from the effects of fentanyl. 

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Further examination revealed that he had four to five times the lethal dose in his blood stream. Investigators eventually learned that the victim had been buying narcotics from Coley for more than a year, including on the morning of his death.

After obtaining a search warrant, investigators entered Coley’s residence and found 70 blue pills with “M” marked on one side, and “30” on the other side. The markings reportedly gave them the appearance of pharmaceutical oxycodone tablets. Lab tests were made that determined the pills were counterfeit and had contained fentanyl instead of oxycodone. 

Coley was arrested during a traffic stop and was found to have five counterfeit fentanyl pills.

“Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have become commonplace in Alabama and throughout the United States,” said United States Attorney Ross. “Everyone should assume that any pill that does not come from a doctor or pharmacy may contain a fatal dose of fentanyl or another deadly drug. My office is committed to holding accountable individuals who sell these dangerous pills.”

Coley now faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison.