Mike Cherry, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, announced that a new law permits prosecutors to charge drug dealers with involuntary manslaughter when fentanyl distribution results in death. The statement was made on X.
“A new law signed last week will allow local prosecutors to charge drug dealers with involuntary manslaughter when someone dies as the result of distributing fentanyl laced drugs,” said Cherry, House Representative.
Fentanyl-related deaths in Virginia have increased significantly in recent years, prompting lawmakers to implement stricter laws. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, these measures include allowing felony homicide charges for dealers if their drugs result in the death of a minor. The state has also initiated new interdiction efforts to combat the spread of fentanyl.
The Virginia Department of Health reports that fentanyl was responsible for 1,951 deaths in Virginia in 2022, accounting for nearly 80% of all drug overdose deaths in the state. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that fentanyl-related deaths began to decline in late 2023 for the first time in several years.
As reported by Pew Charitable Trusts, after states such as Ohio and Illinois enacted drug-induced homicide laws, the number of fentanyl-related prosecutions increased from just two cases in 2000 to 717 cases in 2017. This reflects a significant rise in legal actions under these statutes.
According to Ballotpedia, Cherry is a Republican delegate representing Virginia’s 74th District since 2022. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a former educator and pastor who focuses on education, veterans’ issues, and community health within the state legislature.