Repeat Drug Dealer Convicted of Selling Fentanyl

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Felony Drug Unit obtained a fourteen-year sentence against a repeat drug offender caught selling fentanyl and heroin.  Lamar Lanair Denson, 42, was convicted of Sale of Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Sell Heroin and Fentanyl, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Senior Judge Kelly Thomas ordered Denson to serve fourteen years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In a two-day trial in July, Assistant District Attorneys Greg Eshbaugh and Jodie Bush explained to the jury that on June 11, 2020, investigators with the Knoxville Police Department Organized Crime Unit executed a search warrant at Denson’s home on Mansion Avenue.  The search warrant was based on controlled purchases of fentanyl from Denson.  During the search of the residence, officers discovered both fentanyl and heroin packaged for resale.  Officers also found a firearm that Denson was prohibited from possessing because of his prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and weapons offenses.  At sentencing, KPD Lt. Josh Shaffer and Det. Phil Jinks testified about the impact of opioids like fentanyl in Knoxville and how drug trafficking like Denson’s led to an increase in overdose deaths in 2020.

“The cases we handle prosecuting drug dealers help keep poison off the streets in order to prevent overdose deaths,” said DA Allen.

Denson has prior convictions for selling cocaine and for Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Tracee Smith aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.