Montgomery County Sheriff Makes First Arrest for Fentanyl Murder Offense

(MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS) November 17, 2023 – In a landmark case, the Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team (MOCONET) has made its first arrest under the new “Fentanyl Murder” law. The arrest follows a detailed investigation into an unattended death on Magnolia Reserve Loop in Montgomery County, where a 34-year-old male was found deceased. An autopsy confirmed his death was due to the toxic effects of Fentanyl.

James Carter-Smith, Jr. has been charged with Murder for allegedly supplying the lethal Fentanyl. His arrest was executed on November 17, 2023, by the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force in Houston, TX. Carter-Smith Jr. is now held at the Montgomery County Jail with no bond, considering the severity of the charge and his criminal history.

This case is a direct result of the ongoing efforts by MOCONET, in collaboration with Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), to combat Fentanyl trafficking and related overdose deaths. The Texas Legislature, in its 88th Regular Session, passed House Bill 6 as of September 1, 2023, allowing charges of “Fentanyl Murder” against individuals whose distribution of the drug leads to fatalities.

The successful apprehension of Carter-Smith Jr. involved cooperation from multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Sheriff Rand Henderson expressed his commitment to battling the Fentanyl crisis, emphasizing the drug’s devastating impact on the community and nation. He praised MOCONET’s dedication in the investigation and its role in ensuring public safety. Similarly, David Martinez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston field office, highlighted the FBI’s contribution of resources and expertise in the case.

This arrest marks a significant step in law enforcement’s efforts to hold individuals accountable for the distribution of lethal substances like Fentanyl, and it reinforces the collaborative approach between local and federal agencies in tackling drug-related crimes.