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

The Marion County Democratic Party held a caucus meeting Saturday morning to allow committee people to cast their votes for prosecutor. Mears assumed the role of acting prosecutor after Terry Curry resigned from the position for health reasons.

The announcement comes one day after Acting Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said his office would not press criminal charges against those found with less than one ounce of marijuana.

Acting Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the new policy Monday, saying the office will focus on prosecuting violent crimes.