BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) - Since Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach declared fentanyl a public health crisis in September 2022, officials approved a plan to use its opioid settlement funds to implement strategies surrounding raising awareness and addressing the opioid crisis. A key piece to the initiative was the assignment of two drug investigators from the Brown County Sheriff's Office to delve into accidental illicit drug overdoses, which has resulted in significant steps toward justice. Carjacking suspects arrested after shooting toward resident while trying to steal vehicle “These investigators don't just look at the tragic event itself, they trace back the pathways of these drugs," says Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain. "They work tirelessly to identify the sources of these illicit substances, unearthing the networks that supply them and bringing those responsible to justice. This rigorous approach sends a clear message: if you deal in dangerous drugs that often result in death, you will be held accountable." Since March of 2023, when these investigators started that role with the Brown County Drug Task Force, they have been the primary investigator of 24 illicit drug-related deaths. They have referred charges of first-degree reckless homicide on 12 individuals to the Brown County District Attorney's Office in connection with those 24 deaths. Additionally, two more individuals were charged in the Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court system. Over the past 18 months, 14 drug dealers who have distributed illicit drugs resulting in death have been charged. Many of these individuals have already been convicted, including the two in federal court who were sentenced to over 20 years. As a result of these investigations, the Brown County Sheriff's Office has made it more difficult for dangerous drugs to circulate within the community. This accountability not only serves justice but also acts as a deterrent to others who might consider bringing these dangerous drugs to sell in Brown County. "Fewer dealers mean fewer drugs on the streets, creating a ripple effect that leads to fewer opportunities for individuals to fall victim to addiction or overdose," said Brown County Deputy Executive Jeff Flynt. The Brown County Drug Task Force seized 1,772.44 grams of fentanyl from Q1-Q3 in 2023. Over that time frame in 2024, the task force has seized 12,659.64 grams of fentanyl, a 614% increase year-over-year. "Combating addiction requires a multi-faceted approach, one that includes resources for prevention, treatment, recovery programs, and community outreach; that is what the County Executive envisioned," says Delain. "It is a collective effort, one that requires the involvement of all of us. Together, we can create safer, healthier communities and pave the way for a brighter future." In Q1-Q3 of 2023, there were 43 accidental illicit drug-related deaths in Brown County. So far, in Q1-Q3 of 2024, there have been 15 accidental illicit drug-related deaths. That’s a 65% decrease year-over-year. Wisconsin man arrested in connection to bomb threats targeting government buildings Brown County had 62 total drug overdose deaths in 2022, with 50 of those involving fentanyl. The following year saw 63 total drug overdose deaths, with 49 of those involving fentanyl. Now, as of September 10, 2024, Brown County has had just 17 total drug overdose deaths year-to-date, including 11 deaths that involve fentanyl. These numbers are closer to 2018, when Brown County had 24 total drug overdose deaths, with nine of those involving fentanyl.