LOS ANGELES – A 20-year prison sentence was handed down to Sergio Maya, 33, of Lake Elsinore, for his role in distributing fentanyl to a 33-year-old man who eventually died from a fatal overdose.
Maya was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, who also ordered him to pay $19,848 in restitution. The 20-year prison sentence is the maximum possible penalty under federal law.
On the early morning of May 26, 2022, Maya met the victim – identified in court documents as “C.A.” – near the victim’s Lake Elsinore apartment and knowingly distributed fentanyl to the victim. Later that day, the victim used the fentanyl Maya had distributed to him and then suffered a fatal overdose.
“The recklessness of this defendant resulted in the victim’s untimely death and his loved ones in mourning,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Today’s 20-year prison sentence sends a message to drug dealers who kill their customers that my Office will seek and obtain the stiffest penalties under the law.”
Riverside County District Attorney Michael A. Hestrin praised the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their successful prosecution efforts, stating, “Our collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on cases incorporating federal statutes often allows for more significant prison sentences for these dangerous criminals.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office investigated this matter, with Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephen T. Merrill of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuting the case. Maya pleaded guilty on February 12 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The tragic outcome of Maya’s actions serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fentanyl sales. As the nation grapples with the opioid epidemic, this case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their roles in perpetuating this crisis.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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