In July of 2023, a young woman died of an overdose on Jackson Street in Janesville, and she had with her a small packet of green-colored fentanyl. That same month, Detective Erin Johnson of the Janesville Police Department teamed up with the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, arresting Eric Carter – age 39, of Beloit – for drug dealing charges, including the green-colored fentanyl he had on him while arrested.
In April of 2026, Assistant District Attorneys David Zarwell and Carli McNeill spent four day presenting the case to a jury, which found Carter guilty of all counts. Today, the Hon. Jeffrey Kuglitsch sentenced Carter to 19 years of prison, plus an additional 16 years of extended supervision upon his release.
At sentencing yesterday, ADA Zarwell argued that Carter should be sentenced to 38 years in the prison system – the first 22 of which would be in prison. Zarwell highlighted Carter’s background and how quickly he returned to drug dealing after being released from his last incarceration. Carter’s attorney asked for Carter to be sentenced to 6 years prison, with another 6 years extended supervision afterward.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Mr. Carter is a drug dealer,” Judge Kuglitsch said, after taking a few moments to consider the arguments. “The public needs protection from dealers like you. A woman lost her life as a result of your actions.” Judge Kuglitsch then sentenced Carter to a grand total of 35 years in the Wisconsin Prison System – the first 19 of which will be spent in prison, followed by 16 years extended supervision.
“Proving which drugs killed someone can be real hard work,” said District Attorney Jason Sanders. “I’m grateful to the Janesville Police Department and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration on getting their man,” Sanders said, “and grateful to the trial team of David Zarwell, Carli McNeill, and Detective Erin Johnson for closing this case.
Contact: Jason Sanders, Rock County District Attorney
[email protected]
