SW Indiana News

Jeremiah Lee Leach, a 20-year-old resident of Evansville, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three charges related to fentanyl distribution. The sentencing was announced by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) following a comprehensive investigation involving multiple agencies.

According to the details shared by the US District Court, Judge Richard L. Young handed down the sentence after Leach pleaded guilty to one count each of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, Distribution of Fentanyl, and Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. These incidents took place in 2022.

Court documents reveal that Leach used Snapchat to market fentanyl under the pseudonym "Mel." His product led to three overdoses, one of which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old individual, as stated in a DEA news release issued on May 17.

The first incident occurred on June 25, 2022. According to the DEA news release, members of the Evansville Police Department responded to an overdose call where emergency personnel managed to revive a woman using naloxone. Later that morning, officers were called for another overdose involving a different woman aged 19 who subsequently died. Both overdoses were attributed to fentanyl intoxication and upon examination, the coroner found a counterfeit oxycodone pill containing fentanyl on the deceased woman's person.

During their investigation into this incident, officers discovered conversations between Leach and the deceased woman where they discussed pills referred to as "blues" and agreed on a price for purchase.

On August 20, 2022, law enforcement responded to an overdose at a restaurant where they found an unconscious woman sitting on the ground in the parking lot. After administering naloxone, she regained consciousness. A companion with her identified Leach as the source of the pills and provided his address where they made their purchase.

The third incident took place on October 11, 2022. Task force investigators observed Leach conducting multiple drug transactions at his residence. Two buyers were stopped separately after committing traffic violations, and one identified the supplier as "Mel." Officers subsequently searched Leach's residence and arrested him. During the search, they seized 33 blue pills marked "30," a digital scale, two 9mm pistols, and approximately $1,843 in cash.

DEA ASAC Gannon commented on the sentencing saying, "The sentence imposed on Mr. Leach is righteous and justified. Mr. Leach utilized social media platforms to advertise the sale of fentanyl and continued distributing the poisonous fentanyl even though it had already caused fatal and near fatal overdoses. The DEA would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Duncan family and all families who have lost a loved one to a fentanyl poisoning. DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local and federal partners in order to keep our communities safe. DEA commends the outstanding work by the Evansville Police Department, The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force and the United States Attorney’s Office."