Adrian Rodriguez Cardenas, Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy, California 2021

Bakersfield resident Adrian Rodriguez Cardenas, 21, has been brought to justice for his role in a significant fentanyl distribution conspiracy. According to court documents, Cardenas negotiated with and sold counterfeit OxyContin/oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer on January 11, 2021. This was not an isolated incident, as Cardenas went on to negotiate a second sale of pills to the same officer.

Co-defendant Keisean Rockmore, 27, also of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl on February 4, 2022. However, it was on January 19, 2021, that Rockmore played a key role in the conspiracy, driving Cardenas and another individual to a fast-food restaurant parking lot to meet with the undercover officer and sell 1,000 fentanyl-laced pills for $2,900. During the meeting, Rockmore motioned towards a bag on his lap, stating that he had the pills, and at least one of the vehicle occupants possessed a firearm, which he pointed at the undercover officer when a dispute arose.

After fleeing the scene with Cardenas and the third person, Rockmore was found and arrested at a nearby apartment complex, along with the other two individuals. A loaded firearm and more than 50 counterfeit OxyContin/oxycodone pills were discovered nearby. The case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher D. Baker and Justin J. Gilio are prosecuting the case. Cardenas is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on June 17, 2022. As part of his plea agreement, Cardenas faces a mandatory five-year term in prison and a maximum term of 40 years in prison, as well as a $5 million fine.

The case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which aims to reduce violent crime by focusing enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partnering with locally based prevention and reentry programs. This evidence-based program has been proven to be effective in reducing violent crime and improving community safety.

As the investigation and prosecution of Cardenas and Rockmore demonstrate, law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors are committed to taking down those who engage in fentanyl distribution and other violent crimes. By working together, we can make our communities safer and hold accountable those who threaten public safety.

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