A federal jury in Tampa, Florida, has found Marquis Lamar McCullough guilty of distributing fentanyl that led to the deaths of two men in Hillsborough County. Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the verdict, which includes two counts of distribution and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The jury also determined that the fentanyl distributed by McCullough resulted in fatalities, leading to mandatory life imprisonment sentences.
The case stems from incidents beginning on April 22, 2021, when deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) discovered K.K. deceased during a wellness check at his residence. Evidence indicated K.K. had purchased fentanyl through a woman who arranged a meeting with her supplier known as "Slim," later identified as McCullough.
On May 6, 2021, N.M.'s son found him dead at home with suspected fentanyl present. Investigations revealed communications between N.M. and McCullough before N.M.'s death. Detectives orchestrated a controlled purchase where they confirmed McCullough's identity as the supplier.
The Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory verified that substances found at both residences and those purchased from McCullough contained fentanyl. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that fentanyl was responsible for both deaths.
This investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, HCSO, and the medical examiner's office. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Ross Roberts are prosecuting the case.