By Taylor J. Hale
Staff Writer

STEVENS POINT — A local man charged with selling fentanyl patches that nearly killed another man received an 8-year sentence in Portage County for the delivery of Schedule I and II narcotics on June 7.

Tyler Christenson, 29, will serve 3-years of initial confinement followed by 5-years of extended supervision. According to reports, on March 3, police responded to an accidental overdose in the Fremont and Ellis Street area.

Responders found the unconscious man was chewing on a white piece of plastic. This “plastic” was later found to be fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Christenson, a repeat offender, faced up to 50-years for his array of charges on June 7, including 2nd-degree reckless endangerment and bail jumping. The court dismissed but read in these charges.

His sentence of 8-years allows him to participate in the Challenge Incarceration and the Substance Abuse program. Portage County jail inmates corroborated with authorities to verify Christenson had taken the fentanyl patches from a deceased family member and was selling the prescription narcotics.

The offender also has prior methamphetamine distribution charges. The defendant agreed to participate in Adult Treatment Court. His first appearance was June 10. His next Treatment Court date is June 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Portage County Courthouse. The goal of Treatment Court is to promote recovery for the participant, their family, and the community.

Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.