Drug kingpin Julian Apodaca, 28, was handed a 20-year federal prison sentence after being caught dealing fentanyl to a 16-year-old who tragically overdosed.
The Northern District of Texas’ U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton announced the sentencing, emphasizing that Apodaca not only sold the deadly drug but also fled the scene after witnessing the child’s overdose.
“This defendant gave a deadly drug to a 16-year-old and watched as the child overdosed; then, instead of rendering aid, he fled the scene to avoid criminal liability,” Simonton said. “We cannot end this epidemic alone. Please talk with your kids about avoiding fentanyl.”
According to plea papers, Apodaca admitted to dealing fentanyl in Amarillo. During a raid on his vehicle, officers discovered 113 blue M-30 pills containing the deadly substance and a 9mm pistol.
In addition to Apodaca’s sentence, eight of his co-conspirators have pleaded guilty for their roles in the distribution network, while another awaits trial. DEA Dallas Field Division and the Amarillo Police Department conducted the investigation.
“DEA Amarillo and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue individuals like defendant Apodaca,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez. “We hold them accountable for the poison they peddle on our streets.”
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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