Silver Spring Man Indicted For Allegedly Distributing Acetyl Fentanyl Resulting In Death

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Jeffrey Sean Nazari, age 44, of Silver Spring, Maryland, on charges of distributing a controlled substance analogue resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The indictment was returned today.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.     

According to the four count indictment and court documents, on January 4, 2015, Nazari allegedly distributed acetyl fentanyl, a controlled substance analogue that he represented to be heroin, to an individual who subsequently died as a result of using the substance.  As part of the investigation into that death a search warrant was obtained for Nazari’s residence.  The indictment alleges that on January 7, 2015, Nazari possessed acetyl fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, and illegally possessed a .380 caliber handgun.

Nazari faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison for distribution of acetyl fentanyl with death resulting; a maximum of 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue; a minimum of five years, consecutive to any other sentence, and up to life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and up to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  No court appearance has been scheduled.  Nazari is currently detained on related state charges.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Arun G. Rao and Nicolas A. Mitchell, who are prosecuting the case.