Fentanyl Trafficker Faces Up to 40 Years in Prison for Two Fatal Overdoses
Man Charged with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death
Christopher Morales, 22, has been formally charged by a grand jury with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, a crime that carries a minimum sentence of 40 years in federal prison. This is Morales’ second charge for the same crime, with the initial charge stemming from the death of a person in Palmdale in March.
Investigation Uncovered
The investigation into the initial incident led to a search of Morales’ Palmdale home in April, where the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department discovered 4.3 grams of fentanyl. Text messages between Morales and the victim, which were recovered during the investigation, indicate a transaction for fentanyl. The investigation also revealed that Morales had allegedly sold fentanyl to the victim, who later died of an overdose.
Second Charge and Additional Evidence
The second charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death was filed after the death of another person in Palmdale in October. Authorities found an ounce of fentanyl pills during the arrest.
Prosecutors’ Statement
"Within a five-month period, two victims died of fentanyl poisoning, allegedly after receiving fentanyl from the defendant," said Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Los Angeles Field Division. "His actions serve as a reminder that drug traffickers are not going to stop distributing their poison just because someone dies. But traffickers should take notice – law enforcement is not stopping either."
Sentencing Guidelines
The two charges each carry a minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, meaning if convicted on both counts, Morales would spend at least 40 years behind bars. Both counts carry a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
US Attorney’s Statement
"The defendant allegedly chose financial gain over the life of another when he decided to traffic fentanyl," said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "We cannot tolerate those who treat unnecessary and preventable losses of life as just the cost of doing business. Our office and our law enforcement partners will continue our steadfast campaign to help fight this fentanyl crisis and bring lawbreakers to justice."
Conclusion
The fentanyl crisis continues to devastate communities across the country, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. Cases like this serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and the importance of holding those responsible accountable. With sentences like this, authorities hope to send a strong message to those involved in the illegal drug trade: there will be consequences for their actions.
FAQs
Q: What is fentanyl?
A: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Q: How many lives have been lost to fentanyl overdoses?
A: According to the CDC, there were more than 32,000 fentanyl-related deaths in the United States in 2020.
Q: What is the punishment for distributing fentanyl resulting in death?
A: The punishment for distributing fentanyl resulting in death is a minimum of 20 years in federal prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
