Prosecutor Files First Felony Charge Of Dealing A Controlled Substance Resulting In Death

The Marion County Prosecutor's office announced this week it is charging an alleged drug dealer with the death of a man who purchased opioids.

Dewayne Mahone allegedly provided fentanyl and heroin to Tony Harrell, who died in July due to opioid intoxication with fentanyl as a main contributor.

This is the first time someone in Marion County has been charged with Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, but Prosecutor Ryan Mears says many cases will follow.

“It is imperative," Mears says. "That is where we need to direct our law enforcement resources, where we need to direct our prosecutor resources so we are in a position to hold those people accountable who are literally preying on people’s addiction.”

A state law created in 2018 to address an increase in drug overdoses allows for a 20- to 40-year prison sentence if convicted of dealing a controlled substance, such as fentanyl, that results in death.

Terri Dee contributed to this story.