Man first to be charged with murder in Williamson County for fentanyl-related death

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason said the murder arrest of a man last week for a fentanyl-related death was a first for the county but likely won't be the last.

The WCSO said Marek Dillard was arrested last Friday and charged with the murder of a 40-year-old man in Leander.

The Sheriff's Office said the man died of an alleged overdose on September 21 and that Dillard allegedly sold him pills containing fentanyl.

This arrest was made possible after a state law allowing prosecutors to seek murder charges for fentanyl-related deaths went into effect last year.

Gleason said his office is working on several other cases that could result in similar charges in the near future. He said prosecution like this sends a clear message to dealers.

"If you're gonna get charged for murder for every person that passes away because of something you sold them, [that law] does have a lot of teeth," Gleason said.

The WCSO started its fentanyl task force last year, pulling law enforcement and community partners together to target the opioid epidemic from several angles.

Gleason stressed that prison is not the only avenue the task force focuses on. He said community partners that work with the task force could also provide rehabilitation for dealers or those addicted to illicit substances.

"If you're just a ruthless drug dealer, we got prison. That's an easy one. But If you want help, we will get you help," Gleason said.