Texas Man Convicted For Supplying & Recording Woman’s Fentanyl Overdose
SHERMAN, TEXAS — A Denison man who provided fentanyl to a woman and then watched her overdose for hours without seeking help has been sentenced to life in federal prison, federal prosecutors announced.
Andrew Michael Smith, 36, was convicted at trial of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant imposed the life sentence on June 22, 2026.
According to evidence presented in court, on September 5, 2024, Smith supplied the victim with fentanyl and methamphetamine. Prosecutors said Smith recorded the woman for several hours as she showed clear signs of a life‑threatening overdose:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe confusion
- Vomiting
- Tremors
Instead of calling for help, Smith continued communicating with multiple people and even arranged additional drug deals while the victim deteriorated. Prosecutors said he waited until after she took her final breath to call emergency responders.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but the woman could not be revived.
U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said Smith deliberately preyed on someone struggling with addiction.
“Smith targeted this victim because he knew her addiction made her vulnerable,” Combs said. “Smith deserves every day of this life sentence.”
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating violent crime, drug trafficking, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations. The program integrates resources from OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Denison Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Erlandson and Abe McGlothin, Jr.
