A Tennessee resident received over 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of another person.
According to court documents, law enforcement traced Nathan Hunter Whitaker, of Greeneville, to a death that was attributed to fentanyl toxicity in February 2023. Shortly after the victim died, Hunter Whitaker sold fentanyl-laced, counterfeit Roxicodone 30mg pills to a confidential informant.
Over a year later, on April 1, 2024, law enforcement officials attempted to serve an arrest warrant of the 27-year old by conducting a traffic stop. However, Whitaker fled in a vehicle, but returned to a residence in Johnson City, where law enforcement had spotted him earlier.
After Whitaker returned to this residence, law enforcement entered the place and arrested Whitaker. During this operation, law enforcement found Whitaker in possession of fentanyl-laced, counterfeit Roxicodone 30mg pills, $13,754 in cash, and more than 130 firearms.
One of the firearms seized had been stolen from the Tennessee Valley Authority Police.
During an interview with law enforcement, Whitaker admitted he supplied the fentanyl-laced, fake Roxicodone 30mg pills that caused the person to die in 2023.
Once Whitaker completes his sentence, he will go on supervised release for three years.
United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III, said “fentanyl-related deaths in Tennessee and nationwide are “far too common.”
“The United States Attorney’s Office, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, will use all available resources to investigate and prosecute those who traffic in fentanyl and bring them to justice,” he explained.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott stated the DEA will work alongside other law enforcement agencies to “bring to justice criminals who willfully distribute dangerous drugs within eastern Tennessee and throughout the country.”
“Today’s sentence highlights the serious risks fentanyl poses to our communities, and we are proud of the results achieved because of this collaboration,” he explained.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at [email protected].
