ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jacob Ebel, age 29, of Niverville, New York, was arraigned today on charges that he distributed heroin and fentanyl that caused two overdose deaths in Columbia County in July 2016.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II, Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett, and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Ebel appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who ordered Ebel detained pending a trial scheduled before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Ebel has been in custody since July 26, 2016, when he was arrested on state drug charges.
According to the indictment, on July 3, 2016, Ebel distributed heroin and fentanyl to Victim 1, who died as a result of taking the drugs. Between July 18 and July 23, Ebel distributed heroin and fentanyl to the spouse of Victim 2. Victim 2 took the drugs and died as a result. Ebel is also charged with possessing heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute them, and conspiring to possess and distribute heroin and fentanyl. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted of all charges, Ebel would face at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is the result of a joint investigation conducted by the DEA, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police, with assistance from the office of Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.