Jeremial Lee Leach : Criminal sentenced for fatal overdoses, one death

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Drug dealer sentenced for fatal overdose
2. Man convicted for causing drug-related death

Jeremial Lee Leach, 20, an Evansville man, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills over Snapchat. He pleaded guilty to charges including Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death and Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Leach’s actions led to multiple overdoses, including the death of a 19-year-old woman. He used the alias “Mel” to advertise the pills to hundreds of recipients. Federal officials, along with the DEA, Evansville Police Department, and Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force, worked together to bring justice in this case. Leach will also be under supervised release for five years after his prison term.

Evansville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Dealing Using Snapchat Alias

An Evansville man, Jeremial Lee Leach, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills over Snapchat. The 20-year-old admitted to one count of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, one count of Distribution of Fentanyl, and one count of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Incident Details

The incidents took place in Henderson, Kentucky, where Leach was found responsible for dealing fentanyl resulting in at least three overdoses, one of which tragically led to the death of a 19-year-old individual. Court documents revealed that Leach advertised the fentanyl-laced pills over Snapchat to hundreds of recipients under the alias “Mel.”

On June 25, 2022, Evansville Police Department officers responded to a residence on Wedeking Avenue after receiving reports of an overdose. A woman was revived with naloxone, but later that day, they were called back to the same residence for the overdose of a 19-year-old who unfortunately did not survive. The coroner found a counterfeit oxycodone pill containing fentanyl on the deceased individual, with the cause of death determined to be fentanyl intoxication.

Investigation and Arrest

Investigators searched the deceased victim’s phone and discovered conversations between her and Jeremial “Mel” Leach discussing a transaction for the purchase of pills referred to as “blues.” Leach provided his address on Shanklin Avenue and confirmed the price for the sale of the pills. Subsequently, on August 20, EPD officers responded to another overdose, where a woman had taken a pill supplied by Leach and required naloxone to recover.

Further investigation on October 11 led to the observation of Leach conducting apparent drug deals at his residence, resulting in the seizure of fentanyl-laced pills from the buyers’ vehicles. A search warrant executed at Leach’s residence on Shanklin Avenue uncovered additional evidence, including pills, a digital scale, firearms, and cash.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Jeremial Lee Leach was indicted by a federal grand jury for his alleged fentanyl dealing using Snapchat, leading to his sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. The DEA, Evansville Police Department, and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force collaborated on the investigation that culminated in Leach’s conviction.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers emphasized the severity of fentanyl trafficking and its devastating consequences, commending the law enforcement efforts to hold Leach accountable for his actions. DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Mike Gannon, echoed these sentiments and extended condolences to the families affected by fentanyl poisoning.

Conclusion

Jeremial Lee Leach’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl distribution and the harsh penalties that come with such criminal activities. The 20-year sentence and five years of supervised release highlight the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the devastating impact of illicit substances.