A man named Cameron James Pettit was arrested in Los Angeles earlier this month for his role in the fatal overdose of musician Mac Miller, one year after his death. Pettit was arrested by the Fusion Task Force of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for selling counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl. Miller purchased the fentanyl-laced oxycodone from Pettit two days before his death.
What Happened That Night
Mac Miller, who’s real name is Malcolm McCormick, died September 7 of last year in his Studio City home in Los Angeles, California. He was 26 years old. The results of his death showed mixed drug toxicity that included ethanol (alcohol), fentanyl and cocaine.
According to the press release, Miller purchased 30 milligram oxycodone pills from Cameron Pettit, along with cocaine and Xanax. However, the oxycodone was laced with fentanyl. The DEA has stated fentanyl as 50 times more potent than heroin. Mac Miller snorted the fentanyl-laced oxycodone prior to his death. Pettit had been selling drugs to Miller for several months before his overdose.
Potential Charges Pettit Faces
Cameron James Pettit is currently being charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance. However, more charges are very likely—officials claimed that he could be charged with supplying drugs that led to a death. If Pettit is convicted of drug trafficking, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
He isn’t the only person arrested in the Mac Miller drug investigation, however. Two other men have also been arrested and charged with drug crimes who are also responsible for supplying drugs to Miller.
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Held Without Bond
Pettit appeared in federal court in Los Angeles and wasn’t asked to enter a plea—instead, he was detained without bond pending trial. Without the option for bail, Cameron James Pettit must remain held in custody until his arraignment on October 11.
If, on the other hand, Pettit were given the option to be bailed out of jail, what would his bond be? Ultimately, a judge would decide what the bond amount would be depending on the criminal history and circumstances of the crime. However, because a death occurred in this case, Pettit’s charges could surpass $20 million in fines and between 20 years to life in prison without bond.
Below are the charges and penalties for drug trafficking in California.
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Distribution of a Controlled Substance
- First offense: a minimum of 10 years to life in prison and/or up to a $10 million fine.
- Second offense: a minimum of 20 years to life in prison and/or up to a $20 million fine.
- Third offense: life in prison without possible release and/or up to a $20 million fine.
- If a death of serious bodily injury happens as a result of the substance: 20 years to life in jail.
Drug Trafficking
Under California’s Health & Safety Code 11352, the following drugs are prohibited:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Opiates
- Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
- LSD
- Peyote
- Certain prescription drugs including oxycodone (Oxycontin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin)
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