NEW FLORIDA LAW: Underage drug dealers involved in fatal overdoses could face murder charges
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office holds a news conference about a Florida law that is going into effect on July 1, 2025.
Under the new law, juveniles who distribute narcotics that cause a fatal overdose could now be prosecuted for murder, HCSO said.
This update is a direct response to the deaths caused by individuals unknowingly consuming narcotics that are laced with deadly substances.
According to HCSO, the new law was sparked by the death of Devin Ramos, 17, who died after unknowingly ingesting a fentanyl-laced pill given to him by a juvenile who could not be held accountable at that time.
Sheriff Chad Chronister is joined by Devin's mother, Amy Olmdea, and State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
They will speak about the development and importance of Senate Bill 612.
Florida Representative Traci Foster and Senator Danny Burgess shared the following statements:
'The tragic death of a young person in our community due to fentanyl poisoning served as a devastating reminder of the lethal consequences tied to illegal drug distribution. In the wake of that loss, Sheriff Chad Chronister stepped forward to bring this issue to the forefront, urging lawmakers to take decisive action to ensure all who peddle in this deadly and unlawful practice can face justice. Senate Bill 612 reflects that call by updating state law to ensure those who unlawfully distribute controlled illegal substances like fentanyl can be held accountable when those drugs result in death. This legislation is about saving lives and delivering justice. I am deeply grateful to Sheriff Chronister for his leadership and to the law enforcement professionals who work every day to confront this crisis and protect our communities.' -Senator Danny Burgess'The scourge of fentanyl is devastating families and destroying communities across our nation. Those who peddle this poison have blood on their hands and should be treated as such in the eyes of the law. To help the brave men and women on the frontlines of this fight, Florida will now be able to hold those who deal in fentanyl to greater account. I'm thankful to Sheriff Chronister and Florida's law enforcement professionals for their commitment to the safety of our state and their willingness to help hold these drug dealers accountable for their deadly actions.' -Representative Traci Koster
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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