BLOOMINGTON — A Bloomington man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man who allegedly overdosed on a combination of drugs after purchasing them from him.
Dustin Lambert, 38, faces a charge of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 2 felony, following an investigation into the victim’s fatal overdose.
According to court documents, on November 4, 2022, at approximately 9:37 p.m., a woman called 911 requesting a welfare check on a man in Monroe County. Police arrived at the home to find a man unresponsive and slumped over on the kitchen floor. Despite efforts by emergency responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy later determined that the victim’s cause of death was from mixed ethanol, fentanyl, heroin, and hydrocodone toxicity — a deadly combination of substances often associated with opioid overdoses.
The investigation into the victim’s death continued over several months. On January 9, 2023, the victim’s cell phone was delivered to the High Tech Crimes Unit at the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) for forensic examination. Through text message analysis, investigators discovered communications between the victim and Dustin Lambert, which suggested the two had arranged a drug transaction.
According to the messages, Lambert wanted to meet the victim at a graveyard. The victim sent a message that said, “I have the green bills” and “$220.” The victim allegedly told the suspect, “Okay… so hit me about 4 times as hard as I thought bro.”
Based on the evidence, authorities allege that Lambert sold the victim drugs, including fentanyl and heroin, which led to the fatal overdose.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
