United States of America v. Andrew Michael Smith

Sherman, Texas, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possession with Intent to Distribute or Dispense a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) .

On September 5, 2024, Andrew Michael Smith, 36, provided a woman with fentanyl and methamphetamine. Smith watched and recorded the victim for several hours as she began to show severe signs of an overdose, including difficulty breathing, severe mental confusion, vomiting, and tremors. After the victim had taken her last breath, Smith finally, but untimely, called emergency responders. After law enforcement arrived, they began to perform lifesaving measures, but those efforts proved futile. The evidence during trial showed that Smith talked to numerous individuals over the course of hours while the victim was dying and even continued to arrange additional deals to acquire drugs.

“Smith targeted this victim because he knew her addiction made her vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Smith deserves every day of this life sentence. Our office, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively seek justice for drug trafficking victims.”

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Denison Police Department

The Defendant was found guilty by a jury.