The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office launched a new narcotics unit in November, which has indicted its first fentanyl murder charge.

Jacob Lindsay’s indictment came Dec. 14 after the death of Brandon Harrison, who overdosed on fentanyl, per a news release. This is the county’s first fentanyl murder case.

“It’s just so sad that this is what we’re dealing with,” Criminal District Attorney Phil Sorrells said. “We’re losing our kids to this. We want to do everything that we can to keep our community safe.”

The new unit works in tandem with the existing Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit. Officials said narcotics have become more widely available in the county, and the district attorney’s office is expected to receive around 8,500 drug cases this year. The unit gives the department a proactive approach to investigations, officials said.

“The Criminal District Attorney’s Office recent formation of a Narcotics Unit dedicated to targeting fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illegal drug dealers is a crucial step in safeguarding Tarrant County residents,” County Judge Tim O’Hare said.


What’s happening?

The new narcotics unit is staffed with three experienced prosecutors who will “diligently pursue drug cases and work closely with law enforcement agencies,” a news release stated.

House Bill 6 passed in 2023 and allows prosecutors to file a murder charge for anyone involved in distributing fentanyl to a person who dies from exposure to the drug.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Ferry, one of the members of the Narcotics Unit, said he’s seen firsthand the impact of dangerous drugs.


“Especially [during the holidays], it’s very difficult for the families who have lost a loved one,” he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that may be prescribed for pain treatment.

“We are going to get the people who sell this poison off the streets,” Sorrells said in a statement. “Fentanyl is addictive and deadly.”
The context

In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan for over-the-counter use/sale. Narcan is a 4-milligram naloxone nasal spray that can be used to reverse drug overdoses.


Police officers in Keller, Roanoke and Fort Worth carry Narcan, and have been trained to administer it, officials said. In addition, school resource officers at Keller ISD and Northwest ISD also carry it. Local school resource officers are also working to educate students about the dangers of fentanyl, officials with Northwest ISD and Keller ISD said.

"As of late, Narcan administrations seem to be going down in our community, said Rachel Reynolds, Keller's communication and public engagement manager. "We hope that is the result of enforcement and education and that we see that trend continue in the right direction."

Why it matters

Illegal drugs are cheaper than they’ve ever been, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said. That causes the issue to be more widespread across the county.


“Fentanyl knows no boundaries,” he said. “It’s in our gated communities, in our inner cities, it doesn’t matter. It’s finding its way everywhere.”

Waybourn said his officers also carry Narcan or have it in their vehicles.

Learn more

The new unit will create a more coordinated effort to combat the use of narcotics in the county, officials said.


“[This unit] can help piece some things together that [police] are working on ... and get these criminals off our streets,” Sorrells said.

The county also provides information about how to recognize and respond to an overdose in progress.

Identify

Common symptoms of drug overdose include:
  • Anxiety
  • Delirium
  • Seizures
  • Severe chest pain
  • Severe headaches
  • Vomiting
Respond
  • Call 911 immediately
  • Administer naloxone or Narcan
Resources