Arizona AG Indicts Individual on Fentanyl Manslaughter Charges

AG: Arizona Press Releases

Filed February 23rd, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced a 15-count felony indictment against Kevin Andrew Muter for fentanyl sales and the resulting death of a woman. The charges include manslaughter, conspiracy to sell drugs, and weapons misconduct. The indictment was issued by the State Grand Jury on February 23, 2026.

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What changed

Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the indictment of Kevin Andrew Muter on 15 felony counts, including manslaughter, related to the sale of fentanyl that caused a death. The indictment, issued by the Arizona State Grand Jury on February 23, 2026, also includes charges for conspiracy to sell narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs, and misconduct involving weapons. The alleged offenses occurred between May 1 and May 15, 2025, with investigators linking a fentanyl sale on or about May 4, 2025, to the death of Samantha Dudish. Muter is also accused of possessing firearms while committing drug felonies and as a prohibited possessor.

This action signifies a significant enforcement effort by the Arizona Attorney General's Office and the Gilbert Police Department against individuals involved in the illicit fentanyl trade. While Muter is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the charges highlight the severe legal consequences, including manslaughter and weapons offenses, associated with fentanyl distribution. Regulated entities and law enforcement should note the aggressive prosecution of fentanyl-related deaths and the potential for combined drug and weapons charges. No specific compliance deadline or penalty amount is mentioned in this press release, as it pertains to an ongoing criminal case.

What to do next

Review internal drug enforcement protocols and inter-agency cooperation procedures.
Stay informed on state-level enforcement trends regarding fentanyl trafficking and overdose deaths.
Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations pertaining to controlled substances and weapons possession.

Source document (simplified)

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that the State Grand Jury has indicted Kevin Andrew Muter, also known as Kevin Andrew Mutter, on 15 felony counts related to the sale of fentanyl and the death of a Gilbert woman, Samantha Dudish.

On February 23, 2026, the State Grand Jury indicted Muter on one count of Conspiracy to Sell or Transport Narcotic Drugs and Possession of Dangerous Drugs, one count of Sale of Lethal Fentanyl, one count of Manslaughter, five counts of Sale or Transportation of Narcotic Drugs, two counts of Possession of a Dangerous Drug, one count of Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia, and four counts of Misconduct Involving Weapons.

According to the indictment, between May 1 and May 15, 2025, Muter knowingly sold fentanyl and conspired with others to sell and transport narcotic drugs. On or about May 4, 2025, Muter allegedly sold fentanyl that caused the death of Samantha Dudish. Investigators also alleged that Muter possessed firearms, including a Ruger .380 and a Cobra handgun, while committing drug felonies and while being a prohibited possessor.

This case was investigated by the Gilbert Police Department and is being prosecuted by the Drug and Racketeering Enforcement Section of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Kevin Andrew Muter is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A copy of the indictment is available here. A copy of Mr. Muter's photo is available here.