OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An Ocala man received a 30-year prison sentence for selling fentanyl-laced drugs that killed another man.
The Ocala Police Department (OPD) says that 39-year-old David Gilchrist pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
“His 30-year sentencing serves as a stern reminder that drug-related offenses leading to deadly outcomes will not go unpunished. Working alongside our community partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s office and Ocala Police Department, we will continue to safeguard our citizens from the devastating impacts of drug dealers like Gilchrist,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney.
According to police, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) started investigating Gilchrist in December of 2018 after Nicholas Rubino died from an overdose. They say the investigation led to Gilchrist’s arrest and later indictment on multiple drug charges.
“In the pursuit of justice, we must ensure that those who exploit others’ vulnerabilities for personal gain face the consequences of their actions. Gilchrist callously sold drugs, resulting in a tragic overdose and loss of life,” said Gladson.
According to jail records, Gilchrist was also arrested twice in 2013 on drug related charges. In July of that year, he was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of meth with the intent to sell, possession of unlawful chemicals with the intent to unlawfully manufacture, and possession of synthetic narcotics with the intent to sell or deliver.
He was also arrested in November of 2023 for cocaine possession with the intent to sell within 1000 feet of a public housing facility.
The police department says fentanyl is being mixed with marijuana, cocaine and heroin. OPD shared in a Facebook post that fentanyl is ‘highly addictive’ and an ‘extremely lethal substance’ that has contributed to deaths not only within Marion County but throughout the country.
“The Ocala Police Department will do everything in its power to combat the devastating impact of drugs like fentanyl and will work to ensure those who contribute to this crisis are held accountable for their actions,” stated OPD Chief Mike Balken.