Akron man sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling fentanyl obtained from China that resulted in fatal overdose

An Akron man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling fentanyl obtained from China that resulted in a fatal overdose, law enforcement officials said.

Leroy Shuarod Steele, 36, pled guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.

The fentanyl Steele distributed resulted in the fatal overdose of a person identified only as T.R. on March 21, 2016 in Akron, according to court documents.

Steele obtained fentanyl from suppliers in China and then distributed the drug to people in Akron, Fairlawn and elsewhere, according to court documents.

“Mr. Steele’s actions resulted in the death of another person,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said. “Those who profit from selling the heroin and opioids that have devastated our state will be held accountable for their actions.”

Akron Police Chief James Nice said: “Keeping this guy behind bars for two decades keeps the residents of Summit County safer.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda H. Barr following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Akron Police Department and the Fairlawn Police Department.