In Leonardtown, Maryland, State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling made an announcement regarding the sentencing of Darrick Monte Evans. Evans, a 45-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. The charges against him include the distribution of fentanyl, a potent opioid that resulted in a fatal overdose.
In March 2022, Evans supplied fentanyl, disguised as oxycodone, to someone who tragically overdosed and lost their life. The Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the cause of death was fentanyl intoxication. Through an examination of the victim’s phone records, investigators uncovered text messages, phone calls, and a money transfer that implicated Evans as the person responsible for distributing the fentanyl to the victim.
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling emphasized the need for severe consequences against individuals involved in the distribution of the lethal drug. Fentanyl, particularly when disguised as a prescription pill, poses a significant danger. In this heartbreaking instance, the defendant’s criminal activities resulted in the loss of a life. Sterling affirmed the commitment of their office to prosecute vigorously those who jeopardize public safety by trafficking this toxic and deadly substance.
Evans committed the crime of distributing fentanyl, which led to his conviction. Despite the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines suggesting a punishment ranging from two to eight years, the prosecutor insisted on imposing the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for Evans. Ultimately, the Court sentenced him to 16 years behind bars, surpassing the recommended sentencing guidelines.
Lisa Ridge, the Chief of Narcotics, served as the prosecutor for the case, representing the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
Corporal David Potter from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office took charge of the investigation.