Williamsport Man Convicted in Fentanyl Distribution Case That Led to Student Death

A Williamsport, PA man was found guilty this week in a federal courtroom for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a former Bloomsburg University student and caused two others to suffer near-fatal overdoses. The verdict followed a four-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport.

The incident occurred on August 20, 2022, when Tysheem Dunlap, 28, supplied what he claimed to be cocaine to four individuals associated with Bloomsburg University. Instead, the substance was fentanyl—a synthetic opioid many times stronger than morphine. After using the drug, three of the recipients overdosed. Emergency responders were able to revive two of the individuals, but one died at the scene. The fourth individual contacted 911, leading to the rapid arrival of first responders.

Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the drug mixture provided by Dunlap. The medical examiner determined that the deceased victim’s cause of death was directly linked to a toxic dose of the substance. Expert witnesses during the trial testified that the victim, who was otherwise healthy, would not have died if not for the fentanyl exposure.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on five counts, including drug distribution resulting in death, two counts of drug delivery resulting in serious bodily injury, and two additional counts of cocaine distribution. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey W. MacArthur and Alisan V. Martin and investigated by the FBI, Bloomsburg Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police. It was prosecuted under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which focuses on reducing violent crime through coordinated law enforcement and community partnerships.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

---