Father of overdose victim offers advice for parents after drug dealer is convicted of causing his son’s death

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. — The father of a Westfield man who died from a fentanyl overdose is sharing advice for other parents after an accused drug dealer was convicted of causing his son’s death.

In July 2022, Jacob Lampe died from fentanyl poisoning inside his parent’s home in Westfield.

“I buried my son two years ago today on July 19th. This is the day I buried him,” said the victim’s father, Richard Lampe.

Lampe admits his son struggled with addiction for years before the 23-year-old bought counterfeit Xanax pills without knowing the drugs were laced with fentanyl.

Cell phone records and text messages proved the victim visited the suspect’s home to buy drugs just hours before the fatal overdose.

“I talked to Jacob all the time and said if you buy something off the street it could be a death sentence and unfortunately he made a stupid choice,” said Lampe.

Following a week-long trial, a jury in Hamilton County convicted Benjamine Ingram of dealing resulting in death.

“We need the message to be, ‘If you’re dealing poisonous drugs in our community, we’re going to hold you accountable,’” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Gannon.

The affidavit in the case details a series of messages between Lampe and Ingram in the days leading up to the final fatal drug deal.

Still, Ingram’s attorney believes the person who supplied Ingram with the deadly pills should’ve been the main target of prosecutors.

“This is one of the reasons we have so much crime in Indiana because we’re going after low-level guys and we’re not focusing our attention on the true suppliers,” said Defense Attorney Mario Massillamany.

Regardless of the legal arguments in the case, the DEA insists these days all sorts of counterfeit prescription pills are being laced with fentanyl.

They and the Lampe family remind everyone that one pill can kill.

“Never has there been a worse time in our country to use drugs,” said Gannon.

Lampe’s father encourages other parents to speak up and help hold more drug dealers accountable.

“It’s something I think parents need to be aware of. They need to talk about it,” said Lampe. “I would encourage parents to not be embarrassed. Help law enforcement. Give them everything you can give them.”

Ingram is set to be sentenced in late August. He’s facing 20 to 40 years in prison.

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office sent the following statement following the verdict:

On Friday, July 12, 2024, a Hamilton County Jury convicted Benjamine Ingram on the charge of Dealing Resulting in Death, a Level 1 felony.  The weeklong jury trial took place in Hamilton County Superior Court 2.  The conviction was a culmination of the hard work by local and federal law enforcement, spearheaded by the DEA and Westfield Police Department.  Mr. Ingram was convicted of selling a counterfeit substance purported to be Xanax to the victim.  The substance Mr. Ingram sold was laced with fentanyl and resulted in the victim’s death. This case highlights the very real dangers faced by using illegal substances and the determination of law enforcement and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office to hold those who sell illegal substances accountable.  Prosecutor Garrison wants to thank Deputy Prosecutors Ashley Thompson and Lindsay Nichols and Westfield Detective Stubbs and DEA Agent Brandt for all the long hours and work they put in securing this conviction.

Lampe’s father has started a foundation in his son’s name. The goal is to help fund animal shelters and also to assist others with addiction treatment.

The foundation can be reached online at https://www.jacoblampefoundation.org/

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.