Auburn, Ala. – On Oct. 10, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 23-year-old Jay Quan Adams of Auburn, Alabama, to 144 months in prison.

This sentencing stems from the Auburn Police Department (APD) investigating the death of a teenager found unresponsive in his home on March 26, 2021. It was determined that he died as a result of ingesting a pill which, without his knowledge, contained fentanyl.

Jay Quan Adams was identified as the distributor of the deadly pill. He was arrested by Auburn Police on March 29, 2021, on felony warrants charging him with drug trafficking, possession of marijuana first degree and possession of a controlled substance.

Throughout the investigation, Auburn Police partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and the United States Attorney’s Office in multiple states to prosecute this case.

In a separate case, APD worked with the DEA and the Kentucky State Police regarding another fentanyl poisoning in Auburn. The investigation led to the arrest of multiple offenders for trafficking deadly fentanyl-laced substances from the Eastern District of Kentucky. Those individuals are set for sentencing in January 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is destroying lives and devastating families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. “This case is a tragic example of the toll the drug is taking on communities right here in the Middle District of Alabama.”

The Auburn Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to combating the distribution of dangerous drugs like fentanyl. Through ongoing partnerships with federal, state and local agencies, the department works tirelessly to find those responsible, no matter where they are, and prevent such tragedies from happening again.

“We urge our community to stay informed, stay aware and work with us to keep these deadly substances off our streets,” said Police Chief Cedric Anderson. “Together, we can protect our families and ensure Auburn remains a safe place for everyone.”

For more information on the dangers of fentanyl, visit www.dea.gov/onepill.