The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced the sentencing of Eric Francis Butler, a 49-year-old resident of Nassau County, New York. Butler received a 20-year prison sentence followed by four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl that resulted in death and serious bodily injury.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Butler established a drug distribution hub in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in 2019. During a two-week period from July to August 2019, Butler's sale of fentanyl led to the deaths of two individuals and nearly claimed another life, which was saved only through the administration of Narcan. Following an indictment by a grand jury in Scranton on January 11, 2022, Butler was arrested in Nassau County by federal law enforcement officers. He appeared in federal court in Scranton on November 7, 2023, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
The investigation into Butler's activities was conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Scranton and the Pocono Township Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski prosecuted the case.
This case is part of a district-wide initiative aimed at combating the nationwide epidemic related to heroin and fentanyl use and distribution. The Heroin Initiative is led by the United States Attorney’s Office targeting heroin traffickers operating within the Middle District of Pennsylvania as part of coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, this case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program uniting various levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence while enhancing neighborhood safety. On May 26, 2021, PSN launched a strategy focused on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.