Vernon Antwan Martin, a 37-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being found guilty of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a University of South Carolina student. The victim, a 20-year-old woman, died in May 2023 from an overdose after consuming what she believed was Percocet but was later determined to be a counterfeit pill containing fentanyl.
Columbia Police discovered the woman deceased in her apartment during a welfare check prompted by concerns from her family and friends. An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was a fentanyl overdose. Subsequent investigation led authorities to Martin, who distributed the fatal pill on May 30, 2023. A search at Martin’s residence by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents uncovered additional narcotics, a firearm, and approximately $30,000.
“There is always danger in taking prescription pills that are not prescribed to you by a legitimate health care provider. This case demonstrates how deadly a small amount of fentanyl can be,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This case is the result of law enforcement coordination at the local and federal level, and we’ll continue to aggressively prosecute those who bring fentanyl into our community. Our hearts are with this young woman’s family and loved ones as they remember a life cut short.”
“This case is a tragic example of the deadly consequences of counterfeit pills,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The victim thought they were purchasing Percocet, but they were handed fentanyl, a synthetic opioid driving overdose deaths across our nation. The defendant knew exactly what he was selling. As the DEA continues its Fentanyl-Free America campaign, today’s sentencing underscores our mission to protect communities and aggressively pursue those who knowingly distribute lethal substances.”
“Our officers worked closely with federal partners to investigate this case and ensure the individual responsible was held accountable,” said Columbia Police Chief W. H. “Skip” Holbrook. “We urge the public to understand the serious risk of taking pills that are not prescribed by a legitimate medical provider – just one can kill.”
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis imposed a sentence of 240 months in prison for Martin along with three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. There is no parole available in federal cases. Judge Lewis also ordered Martin to pay nearly $19,000 in restitution to the victim’s family.
The case was investigated by both the Drug Enforcement Administration and City of Columbia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Ariyana Gore.
More information about efforts to combat fentanyl distribution can be found through resources provided by the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America campaign at DEA.gov/FentanylFree.
