A Missouri man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on Thursday for selling fentanyl that caused the death of one woman and sent another to the hospital in a single day in 2019. U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk handed down the sentence to 24-year-old Zachary Hovis of St. Peters in a case highlighting the devastating consequences of fentanyl distribution.
On November 16, 2019, Hovis sold fentanyl to an 18-year-old woman in the parking lot of a country club in Weldon Spring, Missouri. The victim, who was a close friend of Hovis, drove to a nearby business parking lot, where she was found unconscious approximately an hour later.
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Despite a bystander’s attempt to administer naloxone, the woman was pronounced dead. The medical examiner determined that her death was caused by fentanyl intoxication.
Later the same day, Hovis sold fentanyl to another individual who believed she was purchasing oxycodone. That woman experienced symptoms of an overdose and sought medical treatment. She was treated at a hospital and released.
During Thursday’s court session, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Becker outlined Hovis’ actions leading up to and following the incidents. Hovis had advertised drugs for sale on social media, posted photos of his cash earnings, and reached out to the 18-year-old victim offering drugs on the day of her death. Becker noted that Hovis continued to sell drugs even after his friend’s fatal overdose.
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Hovis pleaded guilty in June to two counts of fentanyl distribution.
“The sentencing of a man who dealt drugs and killed someone brings some justice to the victim’s family and friends,” said Colin Dickey, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operations in Eastern Missouri. “Overdose death cases are difficult to prove. Fortunately, we have great partners like the St. Charles County Drug Task Force and other state and local partners, and this kind of end result is our reward for the hard work.”
The case was investigated by the DEA and the St. Charles County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Becker and Cassandra Wiemken prosecuted the case, emphasizing the importance of holding drug dealers accountable for the devastating effects of their actions.
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