Houston Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug-Related Death
A Houston man, Adam Briggs, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to deliver drugs connected to the death of Honor Wallace. Wallace, a 25-year-old woman, died from a heroin and fentanyl overdose in July 2022. Briggs was charged in connection with her death in February 2023.
The Houston Police Department and prosecutors were able to link Briggs to Wallace’s death through text messages. While Briggs faced several charges, he reached a plea agreement on one unrelated charge, resulting in the dismissal of two others. Prosecutor Laurie Beth Jackson explained that they opted for Briggs to plead to the higher charge and presented Wallace’s case as part of his punishment.
Wallace’s parents, Sherry and Barry Wallace, have been vocal about the dangers of fentanyl and expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Barry Wallace stated, “There’s no doubt the guy needs to be off the streets and in prison.”
The Fentanyl Overdose Task Force, consisting of DEA agents, the Houston Police Department, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, worked on Honor’s case. It is worth noting that this case predates the recent codification of the fentanyl murder charge.
Adam Briggs’ attorney, Mike Trent, disputes the charges against his client, claiming that Briggs never sold drugs to anyone and criticizing law enforcement for targeting low-level drug users instead of wholesale dealers. Trent issued a statement to ABC13, asserting that the state of Texas has misused the law and wasted resources by sending Briggs, a first-time offender and heroin addict, to prison for sharing drugs with a fellow addict.
Trent also criticized the Houston Police Department and District Attorney Kim Ogg, accusing them of promoting a false narrative to score political points. He argued that the authorities should have focused on locating the dealer who sold the drugs, as they had leads to work with.
This case highlights the ongoing struggle to combat drug-related deaths and the complex issues surrounding drug addiction and its consequences. While the sentencing of Adam Briggs may provide a sense of justice for Honor Wallace’s family, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of targeting low-level drug users instead of focusing on wholesale dealers.
The statement from Briggs’ attorney emphasizes the need for accountability and a comprehensive approach to addressing the drug crisis. The attorney argues that misusing the law and incarcerating substance abusers instead of providing them with the help they need is both a tragedy and an outrage.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug abuse and the importance of finding a balance between law enforcement efforts and providing support and treatment for those struggling with addiction. It also underscores the need for a multifaceted approach that targets both low-level users and wholesale dealers to effectively address the drug epidemic.
