2 plead guilty to 2023 mass fentanyl poisoning in Kalamazoo County

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Two men have pleaded guilty to federal charges linked to the distribution of cocaine laced with fentanyl in the Kalamazoo area that resulted in multiple deaths in 2023, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced.

On Monday, James Smith, otherwise known as “Yola,” and Patrick Martin pleaded guilty in connection with an April 12 and April 13, 2023 mass fentanyl poisoning event in Kalamazoo County that resulted in at least six deaths and 10 hospitalizations. The Kalamazoo County Health Department said all the deaths were caused by cocaine laced with fentanyl.

Smith faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and Martin a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison. They’re scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6, 2025.

“What Kalamazoo experienced in April 2023 is a snapshot of the crisis we confront across America, driven by fentanyl, and snatching the lives of even first-time users with no idea they’re consuming this deadly poison. The enforcement efforts of our federal and state investigators and the recovery efforts of our communities are taking root, and the number of such tragic events are coming down,” Totten said in a release. “While we’ll never prosecute our way out of this crisis, today marks an important first step toward justice. This investigation is ongoing, and I encourage anyone with information to come forward. Now is the time.”

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety through the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team at 269.337.8880 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100.

According to the Centers for Disease Control , at least 107,543 people died in 2023 from drug poisoning in the U.S. In Michigan, at least 2,931 people died from drug poisoning in 2023.

If you’re struggling with addiction, there are many resources available to help: Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health , the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline (1-800-662-4357), the Grand Rapids Red Project and Cope Network , which provides free Naloxone.

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