PIKEVILLE — Following a three-day trial in Pike County, a federal jury convicted a man Friday of smuggling fentanyl into the Pike County Detention Center and causing the death of another individual in the facility.

The jury deliberated about three hours before announcing the verdict finding Justin Bryant, 38, of Shelbiana, guilty of distributing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl that caused the death of a victim. The jury also convicted Bryant of conspiring with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl.

According to evidence at trial, Bryant smuggled drugs into the Pike County Detention Center and distributed them Oct. 12, 2021.  The drugs contained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, which resulted in the victim’s death.

Bryant was indicted Jan. 27, 2022.

He will appear for sentencing Feb. 7, 2023, and faces a sentence of 20 years to life.

U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV and Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Louisville Field Office J. Todd Scott announced the conviction.