A San Diego man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in supplying the fatal dose of powdered fentanyl that resulted in the death of 24-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Fuzzell.
Cole Thomas Salazar, 32, of San Diego, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo to 120 months for his role in the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in Fuzzell’s death on November 3, 2020. Salazar used an online classified ads service to offer controlled substances for sale and subsequently sold fentanyl to Fuzzell on November 2, 2020, which led to her death.
The investigation and arrest of Salazar and his co-defendant Valerie Lynn Addison was featured in the HBO documentary ‘The Crime of the Century.’
‘Our community lost a vibrant, intelligent 24-year-old victim to powdered fentanyl,’ said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. ‘We can’t stress enough the danger of powdered fentanyl. If you are a drug dealer who chooses to sell powdered fentanyl – disregarding the extreme risk – our office will prosecute you for any death resulting from your sale.’
Salazar was found to possess packages of heroin and fentanyl during his arrest on January 10, 2021, and a search of a nearby hotel room uncovered numerous quantities of controlled substances, including more fentanyl and dealer-related paraphernalia.
Salazar pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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