Fentanyl Dealer Faces Possible Life Sentence for Deadly Distribution
Laredo, Texas – A disturbing trend of fentanyl-related deaths continues to plague the nation’s southern border. In a recent case, a Laredo resident’s fentanyl distribution has put their life at risk.
Kevin Ramirez, 31, is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos at 9:30 a.m. on an indictment related to the distribution of fentanyl. Authorities took him into custody on January 5, 2024.
The two-count indictment, returned on December 27, 2023, alleges that Ramirez distributed fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance, to another individual on May 13, 2023. The person subsequently died after using the drug, according to the charges.
Ramirez is also charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted of the distribution resulting in death charge, Ramirez faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison. The other count carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years. He may also be ordered to pay a possible $1 million maximum fine.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Laredo Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
More information on the dangers of fentanyl can be found on the DEA’s website.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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