Jonathon Cortez, Fentanyl Distribution, California 2021

A 24-year-old Fresno man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in distributing hundreds of fentanyl pills.

Jonathon Cortez, 24, was sentenced on December 14, 2021 for conspiring to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

According to court documents, federal and local law enforcement officers with the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team were investigating Cortez’s associate for dealing fentanyl pills. On August 24, 2020, officers searched that associate’s car, person, and residence and found hundreds of fentanyl pills made to look like oxycodone pills with an ‘M’ stamped on one side and a ’30’ on the other.

Further investigation revealed that Cortez had been supplying those fentanyl pills. This case was the product of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team, a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case. Cortez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.

The Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team was able to track down the source of the fentanyl pills and bring Cortez to justice. This is a major victory in the fight against fentanyl trafficking, and it highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies.

Cortez’s sentence is a reminder that fentanyl distribution is a serious crime with severe consequences. The sentencing of Cortez marks the end of a long and complex investigation, and it sends a clear message to those involved in fentanyl trafficking: you will be caught and you will be held accountable.

Related Federal Cases