Jarin Devon Noojin, a 26-year-old from Mishawaka, Indiana, has been sentenced to 286 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco. The sentence follows Noojin's guilty plea to distributing fentanyl resulting in death, as announced by United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Noojin will also face three years of supervised release after serving his prison term. According to the U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson, "The CDC estimates that 76,226 persons died in 2022 from drug overdoses involving Synthetic Opioids (fentanyl)." He added that evidence showed Noojin was responsible for one such death and continued selling fentanyl pills despite knowing their deadly consequences.
Court documents revealed that in October 2022, Noojin sold fentanyl pills leading to an individual's death from acute fentanyl toxicity. Despite being aware of this incident, he persisted in selling the substance and even witnessed other overdoses caused by his sales. He reportedly warned customers about mixing other prescriptions with his pills due to overdose risks.
Alfred A. Cooke III, Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge, remarked on the societal impact of Noojin's actions: “The actions of Mr. Noojin played a devastating and horrific effect on society." He emphasized law enforcement's commitment to holding fentanyl dealers accountable and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the DEA and its North Central Laboratory with assistance from local police departments and medical examiners' offices. Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joel Gabrielse prosecuted the case.