Suspect Faces Federal Charges in Drug-User's Death

>>News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: BETHESDA • ROCKVILLE • SILVER SPRING

A federal grand jury has indicted a Silver Spring man on charges that he gave someone a narcotic he billed as heroin and the user died from the drug.

Jeffrey Sean Nazari, 44, faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.

Authorities say Nazari distributed acetyl fentanyl. The drug is several times more powerful than heroin, reports The Washington Post, and acetyl fentanyl has been blamed for numerous overdoses.

Nazari is charged with: distributing a controlled substance analogue resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

According to the indictment and court documents, on Jan. 4, Nazari allegedly sold acetyl fentanyl to someone, telling the user it was heroin; the victim died from using the drug. A search of Nazari’s residence turned up acetyl fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, and a .380 caliber handgun, prosecutors say.

Nazari faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison for several of the charges. No court appearance has been scheduled. He is currently detained on related state charges.

SEE ALSO:

• Police Seek Man Who Left Hospital Against Medical Advice
• Massive Search for Missing Hoggle Kids Yields Nothing
• Seven-Hour Rescue Frees Puppy from Underground Pipe