Cincinnati Man Charged with Dealing Fentanyl that Caused Death

A federal grand jury has charged Deonte R. Dickey, 19, of Cincinnati with charges related to the distribution of fentanyl in an indictment returned here today. Specifically, Dickey is charged with six counts of distributing heroin and fentanyl – one count including an overdose death – and one count of distributing cocaine.

Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Paul A. Pride, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac, Norwood Police Chief William Kramer, Blue Ash Police Chief Paul Hartinger and members of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force announced the indictment returned Wednesday.

The indictment alleges that from January 2016 through March 2017, Dickey, also known as “Lil Tay,” “Ching Ching” and “Richie,” distributed heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. Dickey allegedly supplied the heroin and fentanyl that resulted in the death of a person on December 31, 2016.

Each distribution charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Distribution resulting in death is punishable by 20 years up to life in prison.

Dickey was arrested today and his initial appearance was held in U.S. District Court at 1:30pm.

U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the federal, state and local law enforcement as well as Assistant United States Attorney Karl P. Kadon.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.