Sentencing Announced In Lakewood Overdose Case

LAKEWOOD, OH — Kadeem Davis has been sentenced to prison for selling fentanyl and heroin that caused a Lakewood man's fatal overdose, the Department of Justice announced.

“Thousands of lives have been lost and an untold amount of pain and suffering has been endured by friends and families in this District and throughout the country as a result of the opioid epidemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget Brennan. “Drug dealers who exploit the vulnerabilities that addiction creates should be prepared to serve lengthy prison sentences.”

Davis, 31, from Cleveland, was sentenced to 30 years by U.S. District Court Judge Sara Lioi. Davis was found guilty after a trial by jury. He was charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl and heroin, with a sentencing enhancement alleging the sale resulted in death, two counts of use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of possession of fentanyl and heroin with intent to distribute.

On Aug. 21, 2018, a Lakewood man was found unconscious in his home. Police and paramedics gave him Narcan — the anti-opioid overdose drug — and rushed him to a hospital. He later died at the hospital, prosecutors said.

Police searched the man's house and found a heroin-fentanyl mixture and a cell phone, with text messages to someone named "Dopeman" in the phone, the affidavit said.

Investigators texted "Dopeman," pretending to be the Lakewood man, and arranged a meeting at a Burger King, prosecutors said.

Davis showed up to the meeting and was arrested by police, the Department of Justice noted. Officers found a heroin-fentanyl mixture in Davis' possession, along with a phone that had been in contact with the Lakewood man.

Cell phone records put Davis in the Lakewood man's vicinity on the day of the overdose, prosecutors said.

This case was investigated by the Lakewood Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Segev Phillips.