A woman who sold the fentanyl that caused a Lake Forest resident’s 2023 overdose death has been charged with drug-induced homicide, Lake County prosecutors said Friday.
Mercedes Tello, 48, appeared in court Friday for her initial appearance, and prosecutors said they would seek to have her detained until trial.
Tello is accused of providing the drugs to a Lake Forest resident who died in July 2023 of fentanyl poisoning, authorities said. The name and age of the victim were not released by authorities.
Authorities said that the victim had arranged to buy drugs from Tello just before the victim died. The victim had a history of drug purchases from Tello, police said.
“This case reflects the hard work and persistence of our officers and partners at the DEA,” Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke said. “We will continue to do everything we can to seek justice for victims and hold drug dealers accountable for the harm they cause.”
State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart also praised the efforts of federal drug agents and local police.
“Fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs are killing people in every community in Lake County,” he said. “We must compassionately provide treatment to those in need, innovatively engage in harm reduction to save lives, and investigate, arrest, and incarcerate those who cause the death of others by dealing these drugs.”
