North Charlotte Today

The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted a training session in Charlotte today for law enforcement agencies on the investigation and prosecution of fatal and near-fatal overdose cases, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. This initiative is part of a broader effort by federal prosecutors to combat the opioid epidemic and ensure justice for victims and their families.

“Tackling the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive approach,” said U.S. Attorney King. “Today’s training provides law enforcement with the tools and knowledge they need to thoroughly investigate overdose cases, so those responsible for distributing lethal substances are held accountable in a court of law. But today’s training goes beyond enforcement. It’s also about saving lives and supporting our communities.”

Over the past decade, overdose deaths caused by powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl have devastated communities nationwide, including in Western North Carolina. To build on recent courtroom successes and enhance the investigation and prosecution of fatal and near-fatal overdose cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office developed today’s training, which is the first of its kind for the district.

During the training, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Drug and Violent Crime Unit provided participants with a comprehensive review of legal tools available to investigate and prosecute overdose cases. These included applicable federal and state statutes, investigative avenues and resources, challenges associated with these investigations, and proven methods to enhance investigative outcomes.

The audience consisted of investigators representing 17 federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies throughout the Western District. A portion of the training analyzed successful prosecutions of recent fatal and near-fatal overdose cases handled by federal prosecutors in Charlotte and Asheville. For instance, in January 2024, two men were sentenced to prison for distributing fentanyl that resulted in a victim’s death; in April 2024, a woman was charged with selling fentanyl that led to an overdose death; in April 2023, another woman was sentenced to prison for distributing a substance containing fentanyl that caused two near-fatal overdoses.

The training concluded with a panel of experienced investigators discussing their firsthand experiences in successfully investigating these cases.

Additional trainings will be scheduled later this year. Law enforcement interested in participating in future sessions may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Coordinator at 704-344-6222.