Man found guilty of dealing fentanyl and heroin that caused an overdose death

A federal jury convicted a man Tuesday for selling the drugs that caused an overdose death, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Jayson McNeil, 28, of Raleigh, was found guilty of distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in death of a person, conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

Evidence from the trial showed McNeil operated a heroin organization in Raleigh, according to a news release. Evidence showed he dealt heroin and fentanyl, which led to multiple overdoses, including the overdose death of a 27-year-old Raleigh man May 30, 2018, the release said.

Destin McLean, a co-conspirator, pleaded guilty to distributing one kilogram of heroin before the trial, the release said.

McNeil’s sentencing is scheduled for April 27. He faces 20 years to life in prison.

Eve Carson trial testimony

In unrelated cases, McNeil has previously been convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, robbery with a dangerous weapon, common law robbery and discharging a firearm into occupied property.

In 2011, he testified against Laurence Lovette Jr., who was one of two people charged with killing former UNC Student Body President Eve Carson in 2008.

McNeil, then 20, testified about conversations he had with Lovette about Carson’s murder in a deal with prosecutors, according to The Daily Tar Heel. In the trial, he said he hoped to get a lighter sentence in an unrelated federal drug case, The News & Observer reported in 2011.

Lovette is serving a life sentence, having been found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and other charges in Carson’s killing, The N&O reported.