Memphis man sentenced for drug trafficking

Case began with Olive Branch overdose death

Credit: U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Mississippi

June 25 – A Memphis man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, Christopher Brittenum, 39, previously pled guilty to participating in a drug conspiracy. The Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Brittenum after Brittenum sold fentanyl resulting in the overdose death of an Olive Branch man. In addition, DEA gathered evidence showing Brittenum distributed narcotics to two individuals, who subsequently overdosed but survived. DEA ultimately determined that Brittenum was responsible for distributing 1.5 to 5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.

At a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Brittenum to 120 months imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

“Fentanyl has impacted every community in Mississippi and our nation, and those who distribute this poison in our communities need to expect to go to prison without exception,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to work with our partners at DEA and outstanding local partners like the Olive Branch Police Department to remove both fentanyl and those who distribute it from our streets.”

“This sentence sends a clear message to those who deal fentanyl and methamphetamine – you will be held accountable for the devastation you cause. One life lost is one too many, and this defendant is responsible for the death of a resident in Olive Branch,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge, Steven Hofer of the New Orleans Division. “The DEA will continue to pursue those who bring these dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods.”

“Our department is grateful for the partnership we have with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Attorney’s Office,” said Olive Branch Police Chief William Cox. “This sentencing is the culmination of many hours of dedicated service by the detectives and agents of each department and our community is safer as a result. The Olive Branch Police Department will continue to work with these agencies and the US Attorney’s Office to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.”

The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case in partnership with the Olive Branch Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow prosecuted the case.