After authorities couldn’t prove Theodis Jackson sold the fentanyl that caused Juan Sepulveda’s death, he pleaded guilty to a lower charge for selling cocaine to the man’s friend earlier that day.
Jackson, 47, of East Chicago, admitted in March to dealing in cocaine, a Level 5 felony.
Noting he got off probation months before the incident, Judge Salvador Vasquez sentenced him Wednesday to three years in prison, saying he hadn’t learned his “lesson.”
Hammond Police responded at 2:34 p.m. Aug. 2, 2023, to 169th Street and Delaware Avenue in the city’s Hessville section for a white Hyundai “parked” at a stop sign.
Two men were inside. One was passed out. The other, Sepulveda, 49, of Hammond, died of an accidental fentanyl overdose the next day. Cops found a baggie with “pink” powder in the car.
Deputy Prosecutor Keith Anderson asked for four years in prison. The case was “not as strong” since they ultimately “didn’t know what (other drugs were) in the car,” he said.
“Someone died,” he said, while asking for a stiffer sentence.
His client only agreed he sold cocaine, defense lawyer Michael Lambert retorted. He asked for him to avoid prison with a split sentence between Lake County Community Corrections and probation.
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Jackson declined to speak in court.
He got married a month ago, his lawyer said.
He was originally charged with dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, and dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 5 felony.
The friend, Anthony Salinas, is also charged in the case. His next court hearing is June 2.