By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Tuesday, October 8, William Jenkins, 29, of Atlantic City, was sentenced on charges of first-degree strict liability for causing a drug-induced death, third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon.
Pursuant to the terms of his plea agreement, Jenkins was sentenced to an aggregate term of 11 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, which carries an 85% period of parole ineligibility, officials say.
Upon release from prison, Jenkins will be subject to intensive parole supervision for a period of five years, County officials said
According to Atlantic County officials, on July 5, 2023, investigators located B.F., a 44-year-old male who was found unresponsive with a syringe in his arm in a parked vehicle located in Atlantic City.
Investigators also recovered nine folds from the vehicle, which was later tested and determined to contain fentanyl, County authorities stated
Atlantic City officials said that an autopsy determined that B.F. had overdosed and died from fentanyl intoxication.
Through an investigation, police determined that Jenkins had met with and sold the fentanyl to B.F., officials say.
According to Atlantic County authorities, on July 13, 2023, investigators completed an undercover purchase of fentanyl from Jenkins in Atlantic City.
During the undercover purchase, Jenkins provided the detective with a can of Narcan while bragging about the strength of the fentanyl he was selling, County officials stated. Additionally, Jenkins admitted that he had recently sold fentanyl to B.F., who overdosed afterward.
After the undercover purchase was completed, Jenkins was immediately arrested, officials said.
Inside his pants pocket, investigators located a long straight-blade knife, which was consistent with a dagger, County officials said.