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

Taylor Bennett

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.
*Marion County Prosecutor's Office/Facebook Office/Facebook*

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.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

The Secret Service is investigating how a gunman who shot and injured Trump was able to get so close

The U.S. Secret Service is investigating how a gunman armed with an AR-style rifle was able to get close enough to shoot and injure former President Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

Public Affairs / July 2, 2024

GOP US Rep. Spartz, of Indiana, charged with bringing gun through airport security, officials say

Authorities say Indiana Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz has been charged with bringing a firearm through airport security. Airport officials said Monday she was charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Spartz's office says she was traveling to Europe and mistakenly carried an unloaded handgun in the pocket of her suitcase while going through security at Washington Dulles International Airport. Spartz is a staunch Second Amendment Republican representing central Indiana. She won her primary in May after saying last year that she would retire from congress. The charge carries up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted.