Two brothers from Oregon, Ohio have been indicted on charges of distributing and conspiring to distribute fentanyl resulting in the overdose death of a victim, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Joining Schneider in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division, and Chief Charles F. McCormick IV, Monroe Police Department.

Charged were Harry Clifford Wise, 36, and James Allen Wise, 29.  Both were arrested on December 6, 2018, and appeared this afternoon in federal court for their detention hearings.

On April 1, 2017, the Monroe Police Department responded to a house in the 300 block of E. 4th St. on a report of a deceased 33 year old male.  An investigation revealed that the male victim had died of an opioid overdose.  The Monroe Police Department conducted a thorough investigation which uncovered that two brothers from Oregon, Ohio had supplied the victim with the opioids that took his life.  On December 4, 2018, the two brothers, Harry Wise III and James Wise, were indicted on charges of delivery of opioids causing death and conspiracy to distribute opioids. 

"Overdose deaths from heroin and fentanyl have become a national epidemic, including here in Michigan," Schneider said.  "Law enforcement agencies are working closely together to investigate and prosecute traffickers who are contributing to this epidemic."

DEA Special Agent in Charge Plancon said, “It is a priority of DEA to identify and investigate those who distribute drugs that result in overdose and death.  The charges announced today should make it clear to all drug dealers that they will face consequences, for the harm that they inflict on the user and on society.  The Monroe Police Department deserves significant credit for devoting the time and effort needed to successfully investigate and bring these individuals to prosecution.”

Monroe Police Chief Charles F. McCormick IV stated, “I would like to thank the DEA for their partnership in this investigation, and a special thank you to MPD’s D/Lt. Derek Lindsay for his relentless efforts to seek justice in this case”.                

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This investigation was led by the Monroe Police Department in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Lievense.