Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution that Caused Overdose Death

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Aldie man was sentenced today to five years in prison for distribution of a drug that resulted in the death of a Leesburg woman.

According to court documents, Michael Napier, 36, distributed 1,4-butanadiol, an analogue of Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), a Schedule I controlled substance, which resulted in the death of victim A.H in June 2015. A medical examiner’s autopsy report for A.H. listed the cause of death as GHB Poisoning, and toxicology analysis revealed GHB was present in the victim’s blood and 1,4-butanadiol in A.H.’s urine. Three days after A.H.’s death, Napier was arrested in Loudoun County for driving under the influence of drugs, where law enforcement recovered a 500ml bottle of 1,4-butanadiol. Further investigation revealed Napier purchased a 1 liter bottle of 1,4-butanadiol online in May 2015 and showed text messages between Napier and the victim discussing drug distribution on the eve of her death.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Timothy M. Dunham, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia, Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Ben’Ary and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Munasifi prosecuted the case.

This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force- Northern Virginia which is composed of Agents and Detectives from Fairfax County, PWC Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police, Vienna Police, Alexandria City Police and Herndon Police. The Leesburg Police Department provided considerable investigative assistance and support in this matter.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-143.