Bradenton drug dealer charged with murder in two fatal overdoses, cops say

A 40-year-old Manatee County man has been charged with murder in connection to two fatal overdoses that occurred in December, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies say Joshua Pavey sold the victims the fentanyl that ultimately killed them and is responsible for their deaths.

The first victim died on Dec. 6 in Sarasota and an ensuing investigation led detectives to conclude that Pavey provided the drug, the sheriff’s office. Three days later, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to Pavey’s address for another drug overdose victim who was transported to the hospital and died on Dec. 11.

Narcotics detectives started an investigation of Pavey’s activities and undercover deputies purchased fentanyl and cocaine from him on numerous occasions, according to the sheriff’s office.

The drugs were tested and compared to a lab report on the fentanyl found at the scene of the first overdose death. It was identical in the way they the fentanyl was cut with sugar, the sheriff’s office said.

“Detectives spent months collecting evidence and worked closely with the State Attorney’s Office to build this case,” the sheriff’s office said.

Pavey is charged with two counts of murder.

“Joshua Pavey did so knowing that the fentanyl he was providing was imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind regardless of human life,” the arrest warrant affidavit states. “Joshua Pavey was aware the danger the fentanyl posed (to the victim) when he sold it to him.”

An arrest warrant was issued for Pavey in April. He was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Manatee County jail. He was being held without bond.