Antjuan Pierre Jackson, 39, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for his role in distributing fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced the sentence on [date].
According to court records, Jackson sold fentanyl to an individual on November 23, 2022. Tragically, within hours, the person died from a fentanyl overdose. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge commented on the case, emphasizing the devastating impact of fentanyl across Michigan and the nation.
In December 2022, authorities seized more than 80 grams of fentanyl from Jackson’s home, along with cash, a digital scale, a cellphone, and packaging materials, all indicative of drug trafficking.
At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering acknowledged the severe loss suffered by the victim’s family. She also remarked on the role opioids, particularly fentanyl, play in overdose deaths and highlighted the importance of dismantling the fentanyl distribution business.
Jackson’s sentence is particularly significant as he was classified as a career offender due to two previous unarmed robbery convictions. Local law enforcement, including Sergeant Brian Cake of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team, expressed hope that the sentence would act as a deterrent to others involved in the distribution of lethal drugs.
With fentanyl being a major contributor to overdose deaths, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal drug trafficking.
