STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN MATT SLATER ON SENTENCING IN FATAL MOHEGAN LAKE FENTANYL CASE

“The sentencing of a repeat drug trafficker who distributed the fentanyl that caused a man’s death in Mohegan Lake brings an important measure of accountability for the victim, his loved ones and our community.

I want to commend the exceptional work of the Yorktown Police Department, whose thorough investigation was instrumental in bringing this case to justice. When this tragic incident occurred in 2021, I was serving as Yorktown town supervisor and witnessed firsthand the professionalism and dedication of our officers as they pursued every lead. Their commitment to protecting our community helped lay the foundation for today's outcome, and they deserve tremendous credit.

This case also highlights a serious gap in New York state law.

Federal prosecutors were able to hold this repeat drug dealer directly accountable for distributing a deadly substance that took a life in our community. Our local district attorneys should have that same ability when they can prove that a drug dealer knowingly sold fentanyl or another lethal substance that resulted in someone’s death.

That is why I introduced the Death by Dealer Act. This legislation is designed to target the dealers who knowingly profit from poisoning our communities, not individuals struggling with addiction or those who seek emergency medical assistance during an overdose.

We must continue expanding treatment, recovery and prevention services for those battling addiction. But compassion for those suffering from addiction must be matched with meaningful consequences for repeat and predatory dealers who knowingly sell lethal drugs.

No family should have to rely on the federal government stepping in to obtain justice. New York prosecutors deserve the tools necessary to protect our communities and hold deadly drug dealers fully accountable.

I will be renewing my push to pass the Death by Dealer Act and will continue working with law enforcement, prosecutors and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to give New York the tools it needs to combat the fentanyl epidemic.”