James Carter-Smith Jr. Arrested for Murder in Montgomery County Drug Overdose

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : On the 18th of October, 2023, the Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team (MOCONET) swiftly responded to a distress call regarding an unattended death at a residence on Magnolia Reserve Loop in Montgomery County. Tragically, the lifeless body of a 34-year-old man was discovered at the scene. Initial evidence strongly suggested that the individual may have succumbed to an overdose of illicit narcotics. The subsequent autopsy results incontrovertibly confirmed that the male had tragically lost his life due to the toxic effects of Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.

In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, MOCONET diligently conducted an investigation to identify the person responsible for supplying the lethal dose of Fentanyl to the deceased. Consequently, an arrest warrant was successfully obtained for James Carter-Smith Jr, who was determined to be the individual accountable for the tragic outcome. On the 17th of November, 2023, members of the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force apprehended Carter-Smith Jr. in Houston, Texas. He now faces the grave charge of Murder for providing Fentanyl that led to the untimely demise of a Montgomery County resident. Due to the nature of the charge and Carter-Smith Jr.’s criminal history, he is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Jail.

It is important to note that the fight against Fentanyl and its devastating impact on Montgomery County has been ongoing since 2019. MOCONET, in collaboration with the Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), has been dedicatedly working towards curtailing the trafficking of Fentanyl and addressing its alarming correlation with overdose deaths in the region. A significant breakthrough in this endeavor came with the passing of House Bill 6 during the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, which states that individuals who supply or distribute Fentanyl resulting in death can now be charged with “Fentanyl Murder.” This legislative change has empowered MOCONET to file such charges with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, bolstering their ability to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

The magnitude of this investigation necessitated the collaboration of several agencies. Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office all rendered invaluable assistance throughout the process. Their unwavering commitment to justice and safety has played an instrumental role in bringing this case closer to resolution.

Sheriff Rand Henderson expressed his profound concern regarding the impact of Fentanyl on the community, emphasizing that it is an unacceptable tragedy. He commended the relentless efforts and dedication demonstrated by the Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team in ensuring that criminals like Carter-Smith Jr. face the consequences of their actions. The safety and well-being of the citizens of Montgomery County have always been the top priority for law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Henderson extended his deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones to this pernicious substance and affirmed their unwavering commitment to preventing Fentanyl from continuing to wreak havoc on the population. He stressed that this arrest, coupled with the new legislation, represents crucial steps towards safeguarding the community and sending a clear message to criminals that their acts will not go unpunished.

David Martinez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston field office, highlighted the FBI’s steadfast support for local law enforcement partners. The FBI provided specialized resources and expertise through their Violent Crime Task Force and cellular analysis capabilities, which proved pivotal in locating and apprehending Carter-Smith Jr. Martinez affirmed the FBI’s commitment to collaborating with local agencies to disrupt and dismantle violent criminal networks within neighborhoods, ensuring the safety and security of communities.

In conclusion, the arrest of James Carter-Smith Jr. marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against the trafficking and distribution of Fentanyl in Montgomery County. The collaborative efforts of MOCONET, alongside various law enforcement agencies, have resulted in the successful apprehension of an individual responsible for supplying a lethal dose of this dangerous substance. The passing of House Bill 6 further strengthens the legal framework to hold such individuals accountable for their actions. As the community mourns the loss of lives to this potent opioid, law enforcement agencies remain resolute in their determination to protect the citizens and eradicate the scourge of Fentanyl from their midst..