Wadley Indicted For First-Degree Murder In Fentanyl Distribution Death

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Deonte Wadley has been indicted by a Fourth Circuit Grand Jury for First-Degree Murder of Timothy Sexton through the unlawful distribution of fentanyl.

In October, the Florida Legislature expressly authorized prosecutors to charge murder against drug dealers in cases in which the distribution of fentanyl leads to the death of a user. This is the first murder indictment in this Circuit under the new state provisions.

“Fentanyl-related overdose deaths remain an issue for all parts of our community,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson. “The law was expanded to provide prosecutors another tool in this fight and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these tragic cases.”

According to the most recent Medical Examiners Commission Drug Report, the state District Four Medical Examiner led all of Florida with 370 fentanyl-related deaths in 2017. The West Palm Beach area (District 15) was second with 285 and Fort Lauderdale area (District 17) was third with 244. In District Four, 302 of the 370 deaths were directly caused by fentanyl, according to the report.

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Joe Licandro.