North Jersey Man Admits Selling Fentanyl In Overdose Death: Feds

PATERSON, NJ – A Passaic County man admitted Wednesday to selling fentanyl that caused the death of a customer, federal authorities said.

Wyzier Peterson, 25, of Paterson, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of distribution of fentanyl relating to the overdose death of an individual, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

The charges stem from a June 30, 2019 sale Peterson made in which he sold heroin and fentanyl (the later 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin). The drugs were later ingested by the victim, resulting in the victim’s death, according to statements made in court.

The count of distribution of fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, Sellinger said.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 29, 2023.