Today (Feb 9), Terry WILLIAMS JR (34), entered a plea to Manslaughter (F1), for his role in the overdose death of Ariel Osteen (31), on November 2, 2020, in Longwood. As part of a global plea agreement WILLIAMS also pled guilty to five (5) additional charges that included Trafficking in Fentanyl (F1), Trafficking in Phenethylamines (F1), Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon(F2), Possession of Cocaine (F3), and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F3).

 

Circuit Judge Melissa Souto accepted the pleas, adjudicated him guilty, and sentenced WILLIAMS JR as a Habitual Felony Offender to fifteen (15) years (minimum mandatory) in the Department of Corrections on Counts 1-4, and five (5) years for Counts 5-6. The sentences will be served concurrently. 

 

WILLIAMS JR was identified by Seminole County Deputies as the person who provided Fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of Ariel Osteen, and he was arrested November 13, 2020, after delivering Fentanyl to undercover agents.

 

Plea negotiations began after WILLIAMS JR agreed to accept responsibility for Osteen's death, and the additional offenses committed during his arrest. Prosecutors consulted with members of the Osteen family and law enforcement investigators, before entering into the plea agreement.

 

In a statement State Attorney Phil Archer said, "This conviction is the latest in the continuing effort by my office and law enforcement to deliver justice on behalf of victims and their families, and send a message to anyone who engages in this deadly trade.” He added “The days of walking away from the consequences of your actions are over. Make no mistake, when we catch you, you will be arrested, and you will go to prison.”