Funeral expenses part of dealer's fentanyl distribution sentence

A Cincinnati man sentenced to 200 months for fentanyl distribution resulting in an overdose has also been ordered to pay funeral expenses.

Michael Chandler, 29, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 200 months in prison for distributing fentanyl. As part of his sentence, Chandler was also ordered to pay more than $9,000 in restitution to cover the funeral costs for an overdose death that resulted from his drug distributing.

This investigation was initiated by the Campbell County, Ky. Drug Task Force and investigated by the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration.

Investigators were alerted in April 2016 to a suspected heroin overdose. According to the statement of facts in the case, the overdose was actually caused by the ingestion of fentanyl, which was traced back to Chandler as the source of supply. The next day, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Chandler.

While executing a search warrant at a residence used by Chandler on Lowell Avenue in Cincinnati, investigators discovered nearly 644 grams of fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine, a handgun, ammunition and other miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. Chandler was indicted on the six drug distribution charges in June 2016 and pleaded guilty in May 2017.

Published by fox19.com