Congers, New York – A 25-year-old man from Congers is facing federal charges for allegedly distributing fentanyl, resulting in two deaths and several overdoses involving the powerful narcotic. Justin Turnick, the accused, faces multiple counts of narcotics distribution that led to the deaths of two individuals and caused serious bodily harm to four others. Each count carries a potential prison sentence of 20 years to life if convicted, with sentencing left to the judge’s discretion.
The arrest of Turnick comes amidst a concerning opioid crisis, with 70 overdose-related deaths reported in Rockland County in 2021. Authorities revealed that the victims were aged between 19 and 24 at the time of their overdoses. Law enforcement agencies, including the Rockland District Attorney’s Office, have been actively involved in combating opioid distribution and illegal prescription sales in the region.
According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Turnick witnessed multiple overdoses among individuals supplied with the drug he distributed, with one person reportedly overdosing twice. Williams highlighted the severity of the fentanyl crisis in the United States, emphasizing its deadly impact on individuals aged 18 to 49. Despite the known risks, Turnick allegedly continued distributing the dangerous drug.
The federal indictment details Turnick’s distribution of various narcotics, including pills containing fentanyl, which he passed off as legitimate pharmaceuticals to customers. The potency of fentanyl has led to an increase in overdose-related deaths, prompting the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to classify such incidents as poisonings due to intentional lacing of street drugs with fentanyl by traffickers.
Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh emphasized the collaborative efforts between local and federal law enforcement agencies in apprehending fentanyl dealers. Walsh stressed the indiscriminate nature of fentanyl-related deaths, affecting individuals from all demographics and backgrounds. The ongoing investigation into Turnick’s case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the White Plains Division.
Authorities thanked various law enforcement agencies for their assistance in the investigation, including the DEA’s Westchester Resident Office, local police departments, and sheriff’s offices. The prosecution of the case underscores the collective effort to hold individuals accountable for contributing to the fentanyl epidemic. The severity of the charges against Turnick highlights the devastating consequences of trafficking fentanyl and the commitment to seeking justice for those impacted by such criminal activities.