Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution that Caused Overdose Death

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Virginia man pleaded guilty today to distribution of a drug that resulted in the death of a Leesburg woman.

According to court documents, Michael Napier, 35, of Aldie, distributed 1,4-butanadiol, an analogue of Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), a Schedule I controlled substance, which resulted in the death of A.H in June 2015. A medical examiner’s autopsy report for A.H. listed the cause of death as GHB Poisoning, and toxicology analysis revealed GHB was present in the victim’s blood and 1,4-butanadiol in A.H.’s urine. Three days after A.H.’s death, Napier was arrested in Loudoun County for driving under the influence of drugs, where law enforcement recovered a 500ml bottle of 1,4-butanadiol. Further investigation revealed Napier purchased a 1 liter bottle of 1,4-butanadiol online in May 2015 and showed text messages between Napier and the victim discussing drug distribution the eve of her death.

Napier pleaded guilty to distribution of 1,4-butanadiol, an GHB analogue, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on August 23. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Ben’Ary and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Munasifi are prosecuting the case.

This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force- Northern Virginia which is composed of Agents and Detectives from Fairfax County, PWC Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police, Vienna Police, Alexandria City Police and Herndon Police. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-143.