Detroit Man Convicted of Distributing Fentanyl Causing Multiple Overdoses; Faces 20 years to Life

DETROIT – A federal jury convicted a Detroit man of distributing fentanyl that caused the deaths of two individuals and seriously injured another, and other drug-related crimes yesterday, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division.

Following a two-week trial before U.S. District Court Judge Laurie J. Michelson, Melvin Lamar Triplett, 42, was convicted of distributing crack cocaine and fentanyl, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and causing serious bodily injury to another. He was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl. Evidence at trial showed that in November 2022, Triplett distributed fentanyl-laced crack cocaine that caused the overdoses. DEA investigators traced the lethal drugs back to Triplett, a previously convicted drug dealer.

“Our office will vigorously pursue drug traffickers who push dangerous drugs like fentanyl into our communities with indifference to the deadly harm it inflicts,” stated United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “This verdict is a result of outstanding teamwork between the Drug Enforcement Administration and multiple local police agencies from the start of their investigation through its finish.”

“The sentencing of Melvin Triplett, whose criminal activities led to the deaths of two individuals, is a clear example that this behavior will never be tolerated,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Greene. “Two people lost their lives and their families are suffering due to this poison being accessible. We will continue to investigate and hold these offenders accountable to keep our communities and residents safe.”

Triplett is facing a mandatory 20-year prison sentence, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Casey and Eaton Brown.