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United States of America v. Robert Graham Ward
Date: 03-25-2026
Case Number:
Judge:
Court: United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan (Kent County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Grand Rapids
Defendant's Attorney:
Click Here For The Best * Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory
Description:
Grand Rapids, Michigan, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
On January 12, 2025, first responders responded to a 911 call at a hotel in Gaylord, Michigan and pronounced a 25-year-old man dead of a drug overdose. A woman who was last with the decedent before his death cooperated with law enforcement and stated that she received the drugs the day before from Robert Graham Ward, age 43, from Rapid City, Michigan, at his residence. Unbeknownst to Ward, investigators utilized the woman to order additional drugs from the defendant under police supervision. When Ward arrived, he was taken into custody. Investigators found several grams of heroin and fentanyl in his car. Investigators also executed a warrant at Ward’s Rapid City home and found over 21 grams of fentanyl.
Months after Ward was told that his fentanyl killed a man, and weeks after he was warned that he was the target of a federal drug trafficking investigation, a trooper with the Michigan State Police (MSP) stopped the defendant’s vehicle in Kalkaska County on April 4, 2025. Police searched Ward’s vehicle and found 5.69 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and xylazine, an animal tranquilizer resistant to naloxone, [1] 7.9 grams of methamphetamine, and other drugs.
“Fentanyl distribution has devastated communities large and small across our district,” stated U.S. Attorney VerHey. “In this case, the defendant’s persistent drug dealing can be tied to the tragic loss of a 25-year-old. Our office remains steadfast in bringing to justice those responsible for endangering our citizens through drug dealing.”
“Fentanyl trafficking continues to threaten lives and destroy families throughout Michigan,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This case underscores the dangers posed by drug traffickers who disregard the death and destruction they bring to our communities. HSI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt narcotics networks, and to hold accountable those who endanger our communities with these lethal substances.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE), Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT), and Michigan State Police (MSP). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vito S. Solitro.
On January 12, 2025, first responders responded to a 911 call at a hotel in Gaylord, Michigan and pronounced a 25-year-old man dead of a drug overdose. A woman who was last with the decedent before his death cooperated with law enforcement and stated that she received the drugs the day before from Robert Graham Ward, age 43, from Rapid City, Michigan, at his residence. Unbeknownst to Ward, investigators utilized the woman to order additional drugs from the defendant under police supervision. When Ward arrived, he was taken into custody. Investigators found several grams of heroin and fentanyl in his car. Investigators also executed a warrant at Ward’s Rapid City home and found over 21 grams of fentanyl.
Months after Ward was told that his fentanyl killed a man, and weeks after he was warned that he was the target of a federal drug trafficking investigation, a trooper with the Michigan State Police (MSP) stopped the defendant’s vehicle in Kalkaska County on April 4, 2025. Police searched Ward’s vehicle and found 5.69 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and xylazine, an animal tranquilizer resistant to naloxone, [1] 7.9 grams of methamphetamine, and other drugs.
“Fentanyl distribution has devastated communities large and small across our district,” stated U.S. Attorney VerHey. “In this case, the defendant’s persistent drug dealing can be tied to the tragic loss of a 25-year-old. Our office remains steadfast in bringing to justice those responsible for endangering our citizens through drug dealing.”
“Fentanyl trafficking continues to threaten lives and destroy families throughout Michigan,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This case underscores the dangers posed by drug traffickers who disregard the death and destruction they bring to our communities. HSI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt narcotics networks, and to hold accountable those who endanger our communities with these lethal substances.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE), Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT), and Michigan State Police (MSP). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vito S. Solitro.
Outcome:
The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Robert Graham Ward?
The outcome was: The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
Which court heard United States of America v. Robert Graham Ward?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan (Kent County), MI.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Robert Graham Ward?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Grand Rapids. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best * Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Robert Graham Ward decided?
This case was decided on March 25, 2026.