The Daily Caller was the first to disclose that Georgian Republican Representative Buddy Carter has filed legislation that would label those that have died from fentanyl overdose as crime victims.
The “Recognizing the Victims of Illicit Fentanyl Poisoning Act” will add Americans who pass away from fentanyl poisoning to the list of acknowledged victims, which is maintained by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
To “authorize compensation for victims of illegal fentanyl poisoning, and for other reasons, the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 would be amended by the proposed legislation.”
Notably, the Crime Victims Fund, which provides financing for programs and services aimed at supporting victims, is administered by the OVC.
Representative Carter provided the Daily Caller with the following statement in which he outlined the significance of the bill:
“Illegal fentanyl poisoning victims are just that—victims. To generate fast money, criminals disguise this poison as other, less deadly substances. It’s time to help the surviving families and conduct a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous act.”
A constituent of Carter’s, Kristy Dyroff, said, “Drug poisonings aren’t a victimless crime,” before stating, “This pandemic in the U.S. has impacted everyone. Fentanyl is to blame for the death of a loved one, neighbor, friend, or coworker.”
“My son was sold a substance online that was subsequently determined to be fentanyl,” Dryoff continued. “It instantaneously killed him, and the medical examiner determined that his death was a murder. The dealer, who admitted guilt to trafficking that caused death, is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison.”
In conclusion, Dryoff said, “The Office for Victims of Crime does have a responsibility to cease stigmatizing our families and identify all of us as victims who deserve dignity and advocacy services.”
