4 people charged in USF student’s fentanyl overdose death

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Four people have been charged in connection with the fentanyl-related death of a University of South Florida student.

In a press conference on Thursday, US Attorney Roger Handberg announced the indictment for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death as well as additional charges for distribution of fentanyl (over 40 grams) against Darius Gustafson (20), Marquise Trant (35), David Chudhabuddhi (37) and Miguel Cintron (36).

The suspects are accused of being part of a “highly sophisticated” drug ring led by Cintron.

Based on a search warrant executed on April 10, Cintron was also charged with possession of cocaine (over five kilograms) with intent to resell and criminal possession of a firearm.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, investigators seized firearms, several cartridges, more than seven kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, 1,200 pressed pills containing fentanyl and over $200,000 in cash during their search.

All four suspects are being held in jail without bail awaiting trial.

Police began investigating after the student was found dead in his dorm room in February. It was determined that he died of an accidental fentanyl overdose.

Investigators say the 18-year-old student believed he was buying Percocet pills from Gustafson, but they actually contained fentanyl. No other deadly drugs were present in the student’s system.

Handberg was joined by Col. Chris Rule of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Chris Daniel, public safety director for the University of South Florida Police Department, who discussed their agencies’ roles in the investigation.