Lynbrook man charged with distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and oxycodone

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Lynbrook resident Ryan Mueller was charged with distributing fentanyl that caused the death of a 49-year-old Elmont man.

Mueller was arrested this morning and was arraigned this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Anne Shields. 

“As alleged, the defendant purposely disguised fentanyl to look like prescription drugs and sold them to unsuspecting customers, leading to the poisoning death of a Long Island resident,” Breon Peace, United States attorney for the eastern district of NY, said in a release.  “The defendant’s callous disregard for human life in pushing deadly drugs on to the streets of Long Island concealed as prescription drugs has contributed to the alarming opioid epidemic that has continued to harm communities in this district.”  

“Today’s arrest shows the commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those individuals who are poisoning our communities. Fentanyl is a lethal drug that dealers mix into their product knowing the harmful effects it presents to those using it, including death," Frank Tarentino, DEA NY division special agent in charge, stated in a release. “We will continue to bring those responsible for this deadly distribution to justice.”

“Today’s indictment of defendant Ryan Mueller for selling Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine and Oxycodone to numerous individuals and lead to the death of a 49 year old Elmont man is a clear message that these crimes will never be tolerated.," Patrick Ryder, Nassau County Police commisonner, said. "In addition, Defendant Mueller was also in possession of numerous illegal firearms in which he is also being charged with.  Law Enforcement continues to work together to bring these criminals to justice, thus keeping our communities and neighborhoods safe.  I would like to congratulate all of the dedicated law enforcement professionals and their agencies for a job well done."

According to court filings, over the last several years, the defendant conspired with others to sell several controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and fentanyl.  The investigation revealed that in December 2022, a 49-year-old man died of a drug-related overdose at his residence in Elmont. Additional investigation showed that the fentanyl that killed the man, which was in a pressed pill that made it appear to be oxycodone, was sold to the victim by the defendant.  During the investigation, law enforcement officers recovered several kilos of fentanyl from the defendant’s home. Law enforcement also recovered multiple pill press parts from another location controlled by the defendant, including powder dryers, blenders, and grinders.

If convicted on the charges in the indictment, the defendant faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Adam R. Toporovsky is in charge of the prosecution.