Memphis man sentenced to MS for drug trafficking

(U.S. Attorneys' Office for Utah via AP, file)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in Mississippi.

Christopher Brittenum, 39, pleaded guilty to participating in a drug conspiracy, records show.

The DEA began investigating Brittenum after he sold fentanyl to a man in Olivier Branch, Mississippi, leading to his death by overdose.

The DEA also allegedly collected evidence showing that Brittenum distributed narcotics to two individuals, who also overdosed, but survived.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Brittenum was determined to be responsible for distributing 1.5 to 5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy.

Brittenum was sentenced Tuesday to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“Fentanyl has affected every community in Mississippi and across our country, and those who distribute this poison in our communities should expect to go to prison without exception,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to work with our partners at the DEA and outstanding local partners like the Olivier Branch Police Department to eliminate fentanyl and those who distribute it from our streets.”