Fayetteville Man Pleads Not Guilty to Fentanyl-Related Deaths
A Fayetteville man, Gabriel Gass, aged 25, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to two fentanyl overdose deaths that took place in June. The deaths occurred only a week apart from each other.
Gass was arrested on June 20 and faces charges including aggravated death by delivery of fentanyl, distribution and possession of fentanyl, and various other related offenses. The charges stem from his alleged connection to the deaths of two individuals, both of whom died from fentanyl overdoses between June 10 and 15.
During the investigation, police accessed the victims’ cell phones and retrieved messages indicating that Gass provided fentanyl to the deceased. A probable cause affidavit also notes the role of confidential informants in the investigation, including one who coordinated a controlled buy from Gass. The controlled buy led to Gass’s arrest after he allegedly sold fentanyl to the informant.
Upon interrogation, Gass confessed to selling fentanyl to several individuals but claimed he was unaware of all the fatalities. Gass is currently being held at the Benton County Detention Center with a million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 10.
- Aggravated death by delivery of fentanyl
- Distribution of fentanyl
- Possession of fentanyl
- Drug paraphernalia
- Tampering with physical evidence
The charges brought against Gass are made possible by the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act, enacted in April 2023, which allows for enhanced penalties for those involved in the supply of fentanyl causing fatalities.
