Crime & Safety
Fentanyl Investigation Linked To Park View High School Overdoses Leads To Arrest
A Sterling man faces three felony charges after a fentanyl investigation linked to Park View High School student overdoses.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A Sterling man was arrested in connection with a fentanyl investigation that authorities said was linked to overdoses involving Park View High School students.
Isaac Melendez-Carranza, 31, was taken into custody Thursday after the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants, according to the agency. Deputies reported seizing suspected narcotics and U.S. currency during the searches.
The sheriff’s office said its Drug and Gang Unit identified Melendez-Carranza as a suspected dealer connected to overdoses involving Park View students in May. Authorities did not disclose how many students overdosed or provide information about their conditions.
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Preliminary Hearing Scheduled For October
Online Loudoun General District Court records list three pending felony cases against Melendez-Carranza. The charges shown in the records are possession with intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance; distribution or sale for profit of a Schedule I or II controlled substance; and selling drugs on or near certain properties, including a school or library.
Court records list Thursday as the alleged offense date for the possession-with-intent charge. The other two alleged offenses are dated June 14.
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Melendez-Carranza was arraigned Friday, and the three cases were continued. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 13 in Loudoun General District Court.
The sheriff’s office said Melendez-Carranza was being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that can cause a fatal overdose in small amounts, the sheriff’s office said. Illicit pills and powders can contain fentanyl without a person’s knowledge.
Authorities encouraged parents, caregivers and students to discuss the risks associated with illicit drugs and counterfeit pills. Anyone who suspects that a person is experiencing an overdose should call 911 immediately.
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