By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
Monroe
LUDINGTON — A 62-year-old Mason County man will spend the next 24 years in prison for delivering fentanyl to a man, causing his death.
David James Monroe was sentenced to 25 to 40 years in prison for a conviction of delivery of fentanyl causing death for the death of William Willoughby, 52, of Ludington.
Monroe received credit for 464 days served in jail. He was sentenced on half a dozen drug convictions Tuesday.
“Two of the victim’s sisters spoke at sentencing and expressed their struggles since the death of their brother,” said Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand. “The court ordered the defendant to pay restitution (of $3,765.80) for the funeral expenses incurred by the family.
“The decedent (Willoughby) was given fentanyl by the defendant, which he consumed and resulted in his death,” said Prosecutor Hand. “At the time of the defendant’s statement to the detective in charge of the case, as well as to the probation officer preparing the pre-sentence report, the defendant showed no remorse, asserting that the decedent wanted the drugs. The legislature enacted the charge of delivery of a controlled substance causing death to deter drug trafficking. The severe penalties associated with this charge are deserved. Dealers know the potential risk to their consumers. If you provide potentially lethal drugs to someone, whether for
William Willoughby
profit or not, you are responsible for the outcome of that consumption. Bottom line — do not deliver drugs in Mason County to anyone, friend or stranger, or be prepared to face the consequences of your actions.”
Willoughby died May 23, 2024.
“At age 62, the defendant will spend the next 25 years in prison — minus the 464 days served,” said the prosecutor.
Monroe received concurrent prison terms for four drug possession convictions of 25 months to eight years and one year in jail for a conviction of bringing contraband into the jail.
Monroe pleaded guilty to the charges Sept. 18, just days before his trial was scheduled to begin Sept. 22.
Delivery of a controlled substance causing death is punishable by up to life in prison.
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