Justin Wu, Fentanyl Distribution, Hawaii 2023

HONOLULU, Hawaii - In a devastating crime that shook the community, 23-year-old Justin Wu, a Waikiki resident, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl pills that led to the death of an 18-year-old U.S. Marine.

According to court records, Wu distributed five small blue pills containing fentanyl to the Marine on November 9, 2021. The Marine died from fentanyl toxicity the following day.

Wu was arrested on June 29, 2022, in possession of approximately 17 grams of cocaine. Investigators determined that Wu's distribution of fentanyl contributed to and facilitated the Marine's death, prompting Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park to impose an upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range.

Wu's actions were deemed a 'brazen' betrayal of the district court's trust, as he was dealing drugs while on federal probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction. Furthermore, while in custody pending trial, Wu attempted to obstruct justice by soliciting another person to present perjured testimony on his behalf.

Wu's prior federal probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to concurrent time. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case.

In a statement, Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced Wu's sentencing, highlighting the severity of the crime and the need for accountability.

Wu's case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl distribution and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and communities. As the investigation and prosecution of such crimes continue, the community can expect to see increased efforts to combat this growing threat.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/waikiki-drug-dealer-who-distributed-fentanyl-pills-linked-us-marines-death-sentenced-10