Des Moines, Iowa – The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, Monday (today), said two Polk County men were sentenced Friday (Nov. 18th), for their roles in the distribution of a controlled substance that resulted in death. Authorities say 39-year-old Michael Allen James  was sentenced to 20-years in prison. 38-year-old Gregory Michael Williams was sentenced to 14-years in prison. Both Des Moines men were sentenced after pleading guilty.

On November 8, 2020, Williams purchased two Oxycodone pills from James. Williams then distributed the pills to C.C.. Later, C.C. and his fiancée, K.F., ingested the pills, and both overdosed. C.C. was revived on scene and survived. K.F. was brought to the hospital and later pronounced dead. The Oxycodone pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl.

Investigators with the Des Moines Police Department Vice-Narcotics Unit reviewed phone records and conducted interviews, including of the victims’ friends and family, which led officers to identify Williams and James. In November 2020, Williams was arrested in possession of a firearm after he held his children at gunpoint. In December 2020, officers executed a search warrant at James’ house and located marijuana, cash, and 100 rounds of ammunition. James was prohibited for possessing ammunition because he is a felon.

U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory E. Weiser, with assistance from Victim Witness Specialist Charlotte Kovacs.