Kavon Jackasal, Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Death, Florida 2021

Tampa, Florida – In a shocking case of fentanyl trafficking, a St. Petersburg man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for distributing the deadly substance that led to a woman’s overdose death.

Kavon Jackasal, 35, was found guilty by a jury on December 11, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and a concurrent 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jackasal sold fentanyl and other drugs to users in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Tragically, on May 25, 2021, Jackasal sold fentanyl to a woman who overdosed and died. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the victim’s residence and investigated the death, locating a small amount of fentanyl in the victim’s bedroom.

Further investigation revealed that Jackasal was likely the person who had delivered the fentanyl to the victim. A detective texted Jackasal from the victim’s phone and asked for the ‘same from yesterday.’ After responding to the message and agreeing to another delivery, Jackasal arrived at the residence. Detectives arrested Jackasal and found a plastic bag containing fentanyl in his car.

This is not Jackasal’s first offense. He has previously been convicted of selling controlled substances and sentenced to prison. He was arrested for possession with intent to sell or deliver fentanyl on March 31, 2021, but was released on bond the next day. While that case was pending trial in state court, Jackasal continued to sell fentanyl, ultimately resulting in the overdose death of the victim.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Samantha Newman.

The sentencing of Kavon Jackasal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl trafficking and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and families. As law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on fentanyl dealers, it is essential that the public remains vigilant and reports any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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