Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Brandon Lewis Graham (42, Brandon) with distribution of a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl which resulted in an overdose death, and with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, Graham faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl resulting in death, and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession with intent to distribute offense. The indictment also notifies Graham that the United States intends to forfeit any assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, on March 30, 2022, Graham distributed a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl to an individual who died after ingesting the substance, and on August 3, 2022, Graham possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.