Man Who Sold Narcotics Prior To Fatal Overdose Sentenced

STAFFORD, VA — A Stafford County drug dealer convicted of selling narcotics to a Stafford resident who later experienced a fatal overdose was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday, with 20 years suspended, according to court documents.

On July 10, 45-year-old Patrick Small of Fredericksburg pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, second offense in Stafford Circuit Court, according to court records.

Following the death by overdose of a Stafford resident, investigators with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office determined that Small had distributed narcotics to the victim, who later suffered a fatal overdose, court documents say.

As a result of the investigation, Small was arrested by the Stafford County SWAT team during a traffic stop on Dec. 18, 2024, according to court records. During the stop, investigators found about 90 Fentanyl pills and a quantity of Xylazine.

"Xylazine, also known as 'tranq,' is a veterinary tranquilizer that has been found in some illicit drug supplies," according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. "People often use xylazine without knowing it when it is added to other drugs, most frequently fentanyl."

Investigators charged Small with distribution of fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl as a weapon of terror, possession of heroin, and possession of xylazine, according to court records.