A 43-year-old Rapid City man was sentenced to seven years in federal prison on Wednesday for his role in the distribution of fentanyl and heroin. The sentencing of Robert Graham Ward comes after an inquiry into a deadly drug overdose involving a 25-year-old man in early 2025.
Timothy Ver Hey, the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan announced the sentence in Grand Rapids. The investigation began on January 12, 2025, when first responders discovered a dead guy at a Gaylord hotel. A lady who was with the man cooperated with police, indicating that she had bought the drugs from Ward the day before.
Investigators utilized a witness to arrange a drug buy from Ward while he was under police watch. Ward was detained upon arriving for the conference. Police uncovered several grams of heroin and fentanyl in his car and more than 21 grams of fentanyl during a check of his Rapid City home.
On April 4, 2025, months after being informed that his pills had killed someone, Ward was stopped by Michigan State Police in Kalkaska County. During the search of his vehicle, authorities discovered 5.69 grams of fentanyl, heroin, and xylazine, as well as 7.9 grams of methamphetamine. Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is resistant to the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.
U.S. Attorney VerHey underlined the gravity of the accusations and the implications for the region. “Fentanyl distribution has devastated communities large and small across our district,” he said. “In this case, the defendant’s relentless drug peddling is linked to the unfortunate death of a 25-year-old. Our administration is resolute in bringing to punishment those who threaten our citizens through drug selling.”
According to Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge at HSI Detroit, the case emphasizes the hazards faced by traffickers who ignore the fatal nature of the narcotics they offer. “Fentanyl trafficking continues to threaten lives and destroy families throughout Michigan,” Murphey told the audience. “HSI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt narcotics networks and to hold accountable those who endanger our communities with these lethal substances.”
Homeland Security Investigations, Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement, the Traverse Narcotics Team, and the Michigan State Police worked together to conduct the investigation. Vito S. Solitro, an Assistant United States Attorney, prosecuted the case.
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