News Release [printer-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2006
Contact: William Hocker
(215) 861-3436

Indictment Returned in Fentanyl Laced Heroin Case
New Castle, Delaware Man Charged with Death

PHILADELPHIA - Special Agent-in-Charge James M. Kasson and United States Attorney Colm F. Connolly for the District of Delaware announced that an indictment was returned against Joseph Bentley, 22, charging the defendant with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl resulting in death.

Bentley was arrested on Monday, September 11th by the Delaware State Police with DEA assistance.

James M. Kasson, Special Agent-in-Charge of DEA Philadelphia stated, “This investigation is an outstanding example of DEA’s commitment to working with our state and local partners to arrest and prosecute those individuals responsible for the distribution of fentanyl-laced heroin.”

“Today’s indictment stands as a warning to those individuals whose greed drives them to pollute our streets and schools with poisonous contraband. Our message to drug vendors is – deal at your own peril. If we can establish that your drugs caused someone’s death you will pay a severe and certain penalty in federal court,” remarked U.S. Attorney Colm F. Connolly.

The federal charges are the result of an ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office in Dover and the Delaware State Police (DSP).