A federal jury in Greenville, South Carolina has found Mylique McFadden, 28, of Simpsonville, guilty of distributing fentanyl resulting in death and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The verdict followed a three-day trial.
“This defendant showed no regard for life by continuing to distribute drugs even after this victim died of an overdose,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Fentanyl poses a dangerous health risk in our communities, and we’ll continue to prosecute those who distribute it in South Carolina. We send our continued sympathies to the loved ones of the young man who lost his life.”
“This conviction sends a powerful message: those who distribute deadly drugs that devastate families, like fentanyl, will face justice,” said Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant, who also oversees North and South Carolina. “McFadden’s blatant disregard for human life, even after learning of the victim’s death, underscores the dangers posed by drug traffickers. HSI and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting communities and holding those who spread this poison accountable.”
During the trial, evidence showed that McFadden sold fentanyl to a 28-year-old man from Greenville at a gas station in Simpsonville. The victim was found unresponsive about 45 minutes later by a family member. First responders attempted to revive him with Narcan and CPR but were unsuccessful.
Investigators recovered text messages on the victim’s phone detailing arrangements with McFadden for the drug transaction. Surveillance footage from the gas station confirmed their meeting.
A search warrant allowed officers to examine McFadden’s electronic devices, revealing multiple messages about selling marijuana, methamphetamine, and other drugs. The investigation found that McFadden learned about the victim’s death on the same evening it occurred; he then changed his phone number, reported his device as missing, and conducted internet searches such as “what the charge if somebody die from overdose in South Carolina.”
When arrested on January 1, 2025 on a federal warrant, McFadden had eight packages of marijuana in his vehicle. He was released on bond but was observed selling marijuana again at another local gas station in June 2025. Officers then searched his apartment and recovered over a pound of marijuana along with digital scales, packaging materials, and cash.
McFadden faces at least 20 years in prison for distributing fentanyl resulting in death and an additional five years for marijuana charges. He could also be fined up to $250,000 and required to pay restitution; supervised release would follow any prison term imposed. United States District Judge Jacquelyn Austin presided over the trial; sentencing will occur after review of a report prepared by U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations alongside Greenville City Police Department and Greenville County Sheriff’s Office as part of the county’s Drug Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Watkins and Winston Marosek are prosecuting.
