Colten Romeo Thayer, Fentanyl Possession, Texas 2022

AUSTIN, Texas - A San Marcos man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking ring in Hays County.

Colten Romeo Thayer, 20, was arrested during a traffic stop on August 29, 2022, after Hays County Sheriff’s deputies found a bag containing 11 grams of fentanyl in his vehicle. According to court documents, Thayer had been purchasing fentanyl pills from other dealers in and around Hays County for personal use and for the purpose of selling.

Thayer pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on December 21, 2023.

Co-defendant Anthony Perez Rios, who remains in federal custody, also pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl. Rios is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the San Marcos Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Cohen prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

Thayer’s 10-year sentence is a reminder of the severity of the fentanyl crisis in Texas and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their role in it.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/hays-county-fentanyl-dealer-sentenced-10-years-federal-prison