OKLAHOMA CITY — A Moore woman has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose in Norman, according to federal prosecutors.
Beth Nichole Christianna Morris, 34, was sentenced July 29 to 110 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, according to information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton also ordered Morris to pay $18,690.51 in restitution to the victim’s family to cover funeral expenses.
The charges stem from an Oct. 28, 2019, incident in which Norman police responded to a reported overdose at an apartment complex. Police believe Morris had sold the victim three counterfeit “M-30” pills the day before. The pills, which resembled prescription opioids, were laced with fentanyl.
Morris pleaded guilty March 27 to one count of fentanyl distribution. As part of her plea agreement, she admitted the drugs she provided caused the victim’s death.
In handing down the sentence, Judge Heaton cited the seriousness of the offense and the need to deter others from similar crimes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case as part of its “One Pill Can Kill” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills and the rising threat of fentanyl. More information about the campaign is available at dea.gov/onepill.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and David McCrary prosecuted the case.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
