Father and son arrested on criminal complaint in suspected connection with the death of one of two students at the University of Mississippi

OXFORD, Miss. – Last week, a criminal complaint was filed charging Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Yahya Mosleh, 18, a father and son, with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances in connection with a death investigation of two University of Misssissippi (Ole Miss) students.

According to the complaint, on Sept. 21, an Ole Miss student, later declared dead, was found in his dorm room. The cause of death appeared to be consistent with a drug overdose. In the victim’s room, law enforcement found packages, some with missing tablets, of suspected kratom derivatives.

About an hour later, a second Ole Miss student was found deceased in a separate location. The cause of death appeared to be consistent with a drug overdose. Also found in his room were packages of suspected kratom derivatives.

Law enforcement identified a suspected link between the kratom derivative substance packages and a local vape, tobacco and beer store, and has executed several search warrants in connection with this investigation. Store clerk Yahya Mosleh and his son, Islam Mosleh, have been arrested and suspected kratom derivative controlled substances have been seized from the store.

Kratom is a plant-based product that has become increasingly popular in the United States for its stimulant and pain-relieving effects. Natural kratom is considered a stimulant in low doses and an opiate-like sedative in higher doses. Kratom derivatives, such as MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16, are now schedule I controlled substances and can be significantly more potent than natural kratom leaf products and morphine, with associated high risk of severe addiction, overdose, and death. Such kratom derivative controlled substances have been marketed and sold over the internet, and over the counter via head shops and convenience stores in the Northern District of Mississippi and throughout the country. Compounds like MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16 have been referred to as “gas station heroin.”

U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary for the Northern District of Mississippi made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Police Department, and the University of Mississippi Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clyde McGee and John Herzog Jr. for the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.