Alleged fentanyl dealer arrested for manslaughter after police informant fatally overdoses

OREM, Utah (ABC4) — An alleged drug dealer has been arrested for manslaughter after a police informant overdosed on fentanyl purchased from him, documents say.

Darik Allan Ottens, 41, has been arrested for manslaughter, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, two counts of distributing a controlled substance, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Charges have yet to be filed.

According to the arrest statement, in the last 15 days, the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force (UCMC) was contacted by the victim, who said that Ottens was distributing fentanyl powder to them. The victim later overdosed in South Jordan, but was saved by paramedics who administered Narcan.

The victim told law enforcement that Ottens was their “sole supplier involving fentanyl,” and said that they were “willing to be an informant.” Police organized two “controlled buys” from Ottens through the victim.

To perform those controlled buys, the victim contacted Ottens while an officer observed and arranged a purchase of fentanyl powder. Following the transaction, the officer seized the drugs and field tested them; both results were allegedly positive.

On Monday, Oct. 13, UCMC detectives were alerted to a fatal overdose in Orem. The victim of the overdose was the informant, who had overdosed on fentanyl. Narcan was administered, but was not successful.

At the scene, detectives discovered drug paraphernalia and checked the victim’s cell phone for evidence. They found that the victim had been messaging with Ottens and asked him to bring fentanyl to their residence. Messages indicated that Ottens had arrived, dropped off the fentanyl, and left.

“I just tried it and is rly [sic] good though,” the victim sent to Ottens around the time police believe they passed away.

UCMC detectives served a search warrant on Otten’s residence in Eagle Mountain and allegedly located fentanyl powder and drug paraphernalia. The fentanyl appeared to be the same powder that the victim purchased during the controlled buys, documents say.

Ottens was arrested at the residence, and police say he admitted to selling fentanyl powder to the victim at their apartment that morning. He was booked into the Utah County Jail, where he is currently being held without bail.