A Bear man has been sentenced to prison in Delaware’s first successful homicide conviction against a fentanyl dealer for causing a fatal overdose.   

On June 10, James G. Watson, 42, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison followed by descending levels of probation. The sentencing came after his convictions on charges of Manslaughter and Drug Dealing in New Castle County Superior Court, which respectively led to sentences of 11 and 4 years in prison. 

“This sentencing closes the book on a critical chapter in our state’s fight against the overdose epidemic,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Fentanyl is a horrific, deadly drug, and holding to account those who distribute it plays a profoundly important role in ensuring that it’s kept out of our communities. I am deeply grateful to our partners in law enforcement and our DOJ staff for their work in doing so.” 

A drug overdose investigation revealed that Watson sold fentanyl to the victim who subsequently overdosed and died. Watson has been the subject of numerous narcotics investigations throughout New Castle County and has four prior felony drug dealing offenses.

Print