TAMPA, Fla. – Brandon Lewis Graham, 43, of Brandon, has pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in the death of an individual, announced United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. Graham now faces a minimum of 20 years, and potentially up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on March 31, 2022, law enforcement responded to a death at a Tampa residence. Investigators discovered a clear plastic bag containing fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol near the deceased victim.
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The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be intoxication from the combined effects of these substances.
A witness told authorities that the victim had purchased the narcotics from Graham at a Riverview gas station on March 30, 2022. The victim subsequently fell asleep and was found unresponsive the following morning.
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Surveillance footage from the gas station corroborated the witness’s account, showing the victim meeting with Graham. Investigators were able to obtain Graham’s vehicle and registration information. Additionally, the victim’s cell phone contained evidence linking Graham to the sale through a phone number registered to him.
The case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. The plea underscores the severe consequences of distributing deadly narcotics.
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