24-year-old gets nearly two decades in prison for dealing fentanyl in southern Indiana

A 24-year-old man from Hanover, Indiana, named Joseph "Hunter" Ehlers, is facing a significant prison sentence after being convicted of dealing fentanyl. On Wednesday, Ehlers was sentenced to 17-and-a-half years in prison for his involvement in the distribution of this potent and dangerous drug.

The investigation into Ehlers’ activities commenced when the Madison Police Department suspected him of selling counterfeit medications containing fentanyl. In August 2024, authorities utilized a confidential informant to purchase 2 grams of fentanyl from Ehlers, who was under the impression the drugs were for the informant’s "uncle." A subsequent controlled buy in early September revealed that Ehlers was willing to deliver 3.5 grams of fentanyl to the informant.

Shortly after the September purchase, Ehlers expressed interest in meeting the informant's "uncle." An undercover detective stepped in to pose as the uncle and arranged another purchase. During this transaction, the detective observed Ehlers with a firearm visible on his waist while the fentanyl was exchanged.

Ehlers was arrested on October 17, 2024, following further purchases of fentanyl instigated by the undercover operation. Upon his arrest, officers discovered additional fentanyl, a handgun, and over $1,000 in cash in his possession.

Prosecutor David Sutter highlighted the severity of fentanyl's impact, noting that law enforcement in Jefferson County has responded to over 250 overdose calls in the past three years. In testing the seized fentanyl, authorities found it contained xylazine, an animal tranquilizer associated with increased overdose fatalities across the country.