INDIANAPOLIS — A Hamilton County jury found an Indianapolis man guilty Friday for selling a fentanyl-laced substance to a 23-year-old man, resulting in his death.
Benjamine Ingram was convicted of selling a counterfeit substance, that was believed to be Xanax, to Jacob Lampe. The substance Ingram sold was laced with fentanyl and resulted in Lampe's death in July 2022.
Officials said Ingram was convicted on the charge of dealing resulting in death.
"The conviction was a culmination of the hard work by local and federal law enforcement, spearheaded by the DEA and Westfield Police Department," Kiel-Anne McMahon, a spokesperson for Prosecutor Greg Garrison, said.
Authorities said the jury trial lasted a week.
"This case highlights the very real dangers faced by using illegal substances and the determination of law enforcement and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office to hold those who sell illegal substances accountable," McMahon said. "Prosecutor Garrison wants to thank Deputy Prosecutors Ashley Thompson and Lindsay Nichols and Westfield Detective Stubbs and DEA Agent Brandt for all the long hours and work they put in securing this conviction."
Ingram's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 29 at 9 a.m.
(NOTE: the video at the top of this story is from an investigation into Fentanyl testing strips that aired in 2024)
Remembering Jacob Lampe
In honor of Lampe, his father created the Jacob Richard Lampe Foundation.
The foundation is focused on addiction treatment and supporting under-funded animal shelters.
According to the foundation's website, they can cover some of the costs of addiction treatment at Community Fairbanks Recovery Center in Indianapolis for young adults. They also may help with medical procedures for animals if the owner is struggling to afford them.