Brevard County Man Indicted For Distributing Heroin Resulting In Death

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Ronald Wiley (36, Melbourne) with distributing heroin and cocaine that resulted in the death of another, distributing oxycodone, distributing heroin, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and two counts of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Wiley that the United States intends to forfeit numerous firearms and ammunition, which are alleged to be traceable to the offenses. 

According to the indictment, Wiley distributed heroin and cocaine to an individual identified as S.J. on January 26, 2018. S.J. overdosed and died after ingesting the heroin and cocaine that Wiley had provided. In addition, on two other occasions in February 2018, Wiley distributed oxycodone and heroin to another individual while armed with a firearm. He also possessed four firearms on March 7, 2018. As a previously convicted felon, Wiley is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more of federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.         

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.