3/4/23 10:11 PM
A San Diego drug dealer was sentenced to 130 months in prison for selling fentanyl which resulted in the death of a young woman. The defendant, 25-year-old Carlos Hernandez, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl in February 2021.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California, Hernandez sold the drug to the victim, a 21-year-old woman, who then overdosed and died. In a press release, Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman said, "The illegal distribution of fentanyl is a deadly and serious crime, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who distribute this dangerous drug."
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel expressed his condolences to the victim's family and stressed the severity of drug-related crimes. "You can't be dealing in death and think you're going to get a slap on the wrist," he said to Hernandez.
During the trial, it was revealed that the defendant knowingly sold fentanyl to the victim, which led to her untimely death. The victim's family members were present in court and emotionally expressed their pain and loss during the sentencing hearing. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the impact it had on the victim's family and the community as a whole.
In a statement after the sentencing, Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman said, "This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of selling illicit drugs, especially those laced with fentanyl. The defendant's actions led to the death of a young woman, and he will now pay the price for his crimes." The sentencing sends a strong message to those who engage in drug trafficking and demonstrates the government's commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
The defendant will serve 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. His sentence serves as a warning to others who may be involved in the distribution of drugs that result in death. The U.S. Attorney's Office and law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who engage in drug trafficking, with the goal of making our communities safer for everyone.
The case highlights the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States and the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is often mixed with other drugs and is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
Hernandez's sentence serves as a warning to others involved in the illegal drug trade that the consequences of their actions will be severe. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized its commitment to working with law enforcement to prosecute those who contribute to the opioid crisis.
United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California. (2022, January 25). Drug Dealer Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for Selling Fentanyl That Resulted in the Death of Young Woman. https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/drug-dealer-sentenced-130-months-prison-selling-fentanyl-resulted-death-young-woman
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