Overdose death in Teachey gets trafficker nearly 13 years in prison

On Nov. 7, Dylan Alexander Jones was sentenced to 12 years, nine months in prison for trafficking counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl following a fatal overdose in Teachey. After his prison time, Jones will be on supervised release for five years. He must complete 50 hours of community service teaching youth about the dangers of fentanyl and the impact of drug abuse.

“The sentencing of Dylan Jones is a pivotal step in our ongoing fight against the devastating impact of drug overdose deaths. We stand firm in our commitment to justice for the victims and their families,” said Duplin County Sheriff Stratton Stokes. “I want to commend our exceptional team for their relentless dedication and professionalism in building this challenging case. Together, we are making strides toward a safer community.”

According to a media release made by Michael F. Easley Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, the 24-year-old from Wayne County pled guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in April. The release indicated that on July 22, 2022, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive male in Teachey who was then confirmed dead by a firefighter on scene. A post-mortem toxicology report indicated fentanyl toxicity as the cause.

Law enforcement analyzed the victim’s cell phone and found he had received pills from an individual using a Snapchat account linked to Jones. GPS data showed they met at a Warsaw rest area shortly before the victim’s death. Additionally, between September and November 2022, law enforcement made three controlled purchases from Jones, all of which contained fentanyl. During the third buy, Jones was arrested while armed with a handgun. A search of his vehicle uncovered a 9mm pistol loaded with 16 rounds, fentanyl, and over $1,600 in cash.

“We are bringing swift justice against anyone trafficking counterfeit pills laced with deadly fentanyl, especially when their poison claims one of our neighbor’s lives,” stated Easley Jr. “North Carolina’s Sheriffs are prioritizing overdose death investigations like never before and have a direct line to my office to prosecute them. Our team has trained law enforcement across the district on building airtight cases to secure firm sentences in federal court. Our Sheriffs are going the distance to get justice for victims and keep North Carolina safe.”