Marquis Douglas, a 39-year-old Long Island resident, was recently handed down a significant 25-year sentence after being accused of distributing deadly drugs. While many drugs have the potential to be deadly, the ones distributed specifically by Douglas were directly linked to at least four people’s deaths. Marquis went by the street names “Prince” and “President,” and investigators believe he ran a drug empire that pushed a staggering amount of drugs throughout the state of New York.

According to court records, the four victims were all discovered deceased on the East End of Long Island on August 13, 2021. Investigators learned that the cause of death in all the men was cocaine and fentanyl consumption.

Detectives promptly connected the lethal drug to narcotics dealer Marquis Douglas. Douglas was arrested and charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogs. Detectives believe that Douglas’s drug operation spanned throughout North Fork of Long Island, and they’re confident that the dealer must have been operating his illegal business for several years.

Upon his initial arrest in May of 2022, Douglas was discovered carrying over 105 grams of fentanyl and 135 grams of cocaine. Federal, state, and local authorities hope that the 25-year sentence will deter other residents from attempting to profit off of similar drug dealing operations.

Can Drug Dealers Be Held Responsible for Drug Deaths?

Due to recent legal developments, a person can be arrested and face charges when they sell drugs that lead to a death in Brooklyn. Drug dealing is no longer considered a victimless crime, like it was in the past. In one very publicized case, Michael K. Williams, the famous actor, passed away after consuming fentanyl-laced heroin. His dealer was arrested and sentenced to serve out ten years in prison.

Have you recently been involved in a drug incident that could’ve resulted in a potential overdose or death? If so, then it’s critical that you speak to a Brooklyn criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your rights and options. Not only could you potentially be implicated in the death, but you could face multiple charges depending on the circumstances of your arrest.

Related charges include manufacturing drugs, possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia. As you’d expect, each additional criminal charge you face will cause your sentence to become more and more substantial.

The best way to handle this type of situation is to consult with a defense attorney. Here at Bukh Law, representative Arkady Bukh is prepared to help you fight for the best possible outcome in your situation. Attorney Bukh has extensive experience representing clients in New York, and he’s been dubbed the “go-to lawyer in these unprecedented times,” by former clients. That said, if you’re facing a serious situation, like potential drug overdose charges, then-Attorney Bukh’s team is ready to help.

Leave your contact information on our online form now to schedule a free case review with our office.