Earlier this week, 41-year-old Marcus Roach of Gastonia was charged with felony Death by Distribution as part of an ongoing fentanyl overdose death investigation. This case began in January 2024, when deputies responded to an Indian Trail home for a narcotics overdose. Tragically, 38-year-old Jennifer Steffen lost her life due to the overdose, leaving behind her husband and children.

Over the last twelve months, UCSO detectives, deputies, Crime Laboratory personnel, and Special Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have worked tirelessly, following up on leads and ultimately identifying Roach as the source of the deadly fentanyl that led to Mrs. Steffen’s death. Early last week, UCSO personnel, along with the Gaston County Police Department, executed a search warrant at Roach’s Gaston County home. He was arrested and charged with multiple counts of Trafficking in Opium and/or Heroin. Shortly after his initial arrest, he was also charged with Death by Distribution for supplying the lethal fentanyl that took the life of the local young wife and mother. Roach remains in custody at the Union County Detention with a secured bond of $1,450,000.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey states, “Fentanyl is poisoning our communities, and we will continue to fight back with every resource available. If you choose to profit from selling these deadly drugs, know that we are coming for you. You will be arrested, and you will be held accountable.”

No one is immune from the devastating effects of fentanyl, and we urge anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately. Below are resources available for those battling addiction.

If you witness any type of criminal activity, especially related to the sale of dangerous narcotics, call 911 immediately.

Local Substance Abuse Recovery Resources

Ground 40

(704) 883-5185

Bridge to Recovery

704-909-8025

help@thebridgetorecovery.org

House of Pearls

704-324-0028 (house)

HouseofPearlsMinistry@gmail.com

Dove’s Nest 704-333-HOPE (4673), ext. 501

admissions@charlotterescuemission.org

Daymark Recovery Service

www.daymarkrecovery.org

(704) 635-208

Cameron’s House of Hope

(704)893-2671

admin@cameronshouseofhope.org