Tulsa Drug Dealer Convicted by Federal Jury of Fentanyl Death

TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury convicted Tulsan, Brandon Jerome Silas, 45, of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, four counts of Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony, and Money Laundering. 

In February 2022, a witness found Haley Scruggs unresponsive at home and called 911. Paramedics attempted to revive Haley but were unsuccessful. A medical examiner testified that Haley’s death was an accident and that she died from fentanyl toxicity.

When a DEA agent testified, he explained how they discovered messages between Haley and Silas discussing the purchase of fentanyl directly before her death. The last few messages between Haley and Silas describe how to get to Haley’s house, and Silas tells her that he is there. The agent further explained that Haley’s phone showed transactions through a cash application, consistent with payment for drugs.

Silas’ bank records presented to the jury showed that money was being digitally transferred from various peer-to-peer cash applications into his accounts. Over 14 months, bank records indicated that Silas deposited or transferred more than $450,000 into his accounts.

Two witnesses took the stand and explained to the jury how they originally started purchasing pills from Silas. When they went to Silas for fentanyl, he warned both of them to “be careful.” 

DEA fentanyl seizures represent over 133 million deadly doses in 2025. Click here to find additional resources or learn more about the OnePillCanKill campaign.

The Drug Enforcement Administration Oklahoma City Resident Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.