VENICE, Fla. - A nine-month investigation into a Venice man's fatal overdose has resulted in the arrest of a 41-year-old heroin dealer, according to police.

Justin Companion was taken into custody on Monday after Venice police determined that he sold heroin to James Harrington III, a sale that became deadly on Jan. 17.

Companion has been charged with second-degree homicide.

This crime falls under the Florida Drug-Induced Homicide Law, which allows prosecutors to hold drug distributors responsible when the sale or delivery of a controlled substance results in death.

What they're saying:

The Venice Police Department released the following statement:

"This is a significant step forward in our ongoing fight against the devastating effects of illegal narcotics in our community," said

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