Drug Dealer Sentenced for Fentanyl Death in Hamilton County: A Closer Look at the Impact on the Community

In Hamilton County, law enforcement is making strides in the fight against the fentanyl crisis. A recent case underscores the effectiveness of a law crafted in 2018 to hold dealers accountable for overdose deaths. Larry Collins Jr. was sentenced to 40 years for selling drugs that led to the death of Andrew Kitt.

Collins was apprehended in May and had a history of dealing drugs, particularly at the corner of West 38th Street and High School Road in Indianapolis. On November 4, Collins sold cocaine and fentanyl to a man who took the substances to Westfield, where Kitt ultimately overdosed.

Josh Kocher, the Hamilton County chief deputy prosecutor, highlights the importance of the case. He notes that Collins didn’t personally hand the drugs to Kitt, but under the 2018 law, that detail doesn’t absolve him. “Collins was likely multiple steps up the distribution chain,” Kocher explains. The law allows charges even if the dealer isn’t directly involved with the victim.

This broader interpretation opens the door for prosecutors to trace back through layers of the drug supply. Kocher believes that successful prosecutions can motivate investigators to dig deeper into the drug trade, even if it takes them outside the county.

Critics, including representatives from the Indiana Public Defender Council, warn that the law may inadvertently target users rather than main players in drug distribution. They argue it could lead to excessive sentences without addressing the root of the problem.

Fentanyl is especially deadly; just 2 milligrams can be lethal. Often mixed with other drugs, its potency is a significant concern. Detective Sgt. Wade Burtron from the Westfield Police Department states, “Fentanyl has almost entirely replaced heroin.” He emphasizes the urgency of holding dealers accountable for the harm they cause in the community.

Hamilton County has seen a spike in overdose deaths. Since the beginning of 2023, there have been 75 overdose fatalities (excluding suicides). Prosecutors have filed 14 cases under the “dealing causing death” statute—with ten leading to guilty verdicts and four still pending. This reflects a growing awareness and determination to combat the crisis through legal action.

This case sheds light on the ongoing battle against drug-related deaths and the various strategies being employed by law enforcement. As community awareness rises, support for actions against the drug trade grows essential. Balancing justice with compassion remains a critical conversation as communities grapple with the harsh realities of addiction.

For more statistics and insights into the opioid crisis, you can check out the [National Institute on Drug Abuse](https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/fentanyl). It provides a wealth of information regarding the impact of fentanyl and related legal efforts.

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