K.E. : St. Pete Man Sentenced for Fatal Fentanyl Sales

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. St. Pete fentanyl dealer sentenced
2. Drug dealer convicted for fentanyl deaths

A St. Petersburg man, Corey Gaddy, has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl connected to two fatal overdoses in Pinellas County, Florida. Gaddy, along with his dealer Shawn Rodriguez, distributed the drugs for seven years. In 2019, while on bond for a heroin offense, Gaddy supplied fentanyl to Rodriguez, who passed it on to individuals who later died from fentanyl toxicity. Despite knowing about the deaths, Gaddy continued to distribute the drugs. In 2023, Gaddy was found guilty and sentenced for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. Rodriguez received a 12-year and seven-month sentence.

The St. Petersburg Drug Supplier Behind Two Fatal Overdoses

In a recent sentencing that sent shockwaves through the community, a St. Petersburg man has been handed an 18-year federal prison term for his involvement in supplying fentanyl that resulted in two tragic fatal overdoses. Corey Gaddy, a 31-year-old individual, was at the center of a seven-year operation as an opioid supplier in Pinellas County, Florida.

A Tragic Chain of Events

During his time as a drug supplier, Gaddy worked alongside his dealer, Shawn Rodriguez, to distribute dangerous substances in the area. One of the most devastating incidents linked to Gaddy’s activities occurred on Nov. 6, 2019, when he provided fentanyl to Rodriguez, who then passed it on to an individual known as K.E. The following morning, K.E. was discovered dead due to fentanyl toxicity.

Despite being aware of K.E.’s tragic fate, Gaddy continued to distribute the lethal drugs. In April 2020, he supplied fentanyl to another individual, J.P., who tragically met the same fate as K.E. Two days after ingesting the substance, J.P. was found dead on a fishing boat.

Legal Consequences

After a lengthy legal process, Gaddy was finally found guilty of his crimes on Nov. 3, 2023. His co-conspirator, Shawn Rodriguez, was also held accountable and sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison on Feb. 7. Gaddy, on the other hand, faced an 18-year sentence for his involvement in the conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, as well as two counts of distributing fentanyl.

Justice Served

The sentencing of Corey Gaddy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that the illegal drug trade can have on communities. The loss of lives due to fentanyl overdoses is a tragic consequence of individuals like Gaddy who choose to profit from the suffering of others. The justice system’s swift action in this case sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of these fatal overdoses, it is crucial to remember the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of opioids and providing support to those struggling with addiction. Only through a collective effort can we hope to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Ultimately, the sentencing of Corey Gaddy represents a step towards holding those responsible for the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic accountable. It serves as a beacon of hope for the community and a reminder that justice will prevail in the face of such senseless tragedies.