A Holtsville man has been indicted on multiple felony charges for allegedly selling fentanyl and cocaine that caused the fatal overdose of a U.S. Navy veteran, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced.
Prosecutors said Jaden Bholan, 24, is accused of selling the drugs to a 41-year-old veteran in North Lindenhurst on Jan. 20th, 2026, leading to the man’s death later that day.
Authorities said the victim had served four overseas deployments and later founded a nonprofit organization to support fellow veterans in Suffolk County.
According to investigators, Bholan continued selling narcotics even after learning of the veteran’s death, allegedly boasting in text messages about the potency of the fentanyl he distributed.
District Attorney Tierney criticized current laws, saying they do not allow for additional penalties when a drug sale results in death, and again called for passage of legislation aimed at holding dealers more accountable.
Police said Bholan was apprehended on March 27th, 2026, in Holtsville after attempting to flee from officers.
During the incident, he allegedly discarded approximately eight grams of cocaine and fentanyl, along with two cellphones and a digital scale used to weigh narcotics.
Authorities said he also had another cellphone and more than $2,000 in cash in small denominations on his person.
A subsequent search of Bholan’s apartment allegedly uncovered a loaded Glock handgun equipped with a high-capacity ammunition feeding device, along with additional ammunition and a digital scale.
Investigators said the firearm was unsecured and located in an area accessible to a three-year-old child living in the residence.
Bholan was arraigned April 8 before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas on numerous charges, including criminal possession of a weapon and multiple counts related to the sale and possession of controlled substances.
He is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Justice Goglas ordered Bholan held on $300,000 cash bail, $600,000 bond, or a $3 million partially secured bond.
He is due back in court on May 15 and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Bureau following an investigation by Suffolk County police.