A Carrollton, Texas teenager’s life was cut short after ingesting fentanyl-laced pills, which her supplier had promised would be ‘safe’. Lizbeth Prieto, 19, also known as Lizbeth Escamilla, and her accomplice, Cristian Lopez, 24, have been sentenced to a combined 15 years in federal prison for their roles in the 15-year-old’s fentanyl overdose death.
On June 13, 2023, the victim, identified as ‘J.G.’, was found unresponsive in her bed at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton. She was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Ten counterfeit Percocet pills, later tested positive for fentanyl, were found in her bedroom, along with messages on her Instagram between her and Prieto.
A court document revealed that Prieto had offered to sell J.G. 13 fentanyl pills for $100, and confirmed she could pay with cash. She then sent a message advising J.G. that she was pulling up to the home to deliver the pills. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Carrollton Police Department.
Lizbeth Prieto pleaded guilty in November 2023 to distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21 and was sentenced in April 2024 to 84 months in federal prison. Her accomplice, Cristian Lopez, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced on Monday to 96 months in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton expressed her outrage over the case, stating, ‘Fentanyl rips through communities and decimates families. And with so many traffickers wantonly pushing these pills, all of our teenagers are vulnerable.’
The case highlights the dangers of fentanyl-laced pills, which can be easily mistaken for legitimate prescription medication. The DEA reports that five out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose, and one pill can be deadly. The investigation and sentencing of Prieto and Lopez serve as a reminder of the consequences of fentanyl trafficking and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
Prieto’s sentencing is a significant blow to the fentanyl trafficking network in North Texas. The case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and the Carrollton Police Department, in their efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and protect the community.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Lizbeth Prieto, 19; Crime: Distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21; City and State: Carrollton, Texas; Exact Date: June 2023; Sentence: 84 months in federal prison; Dollar Amount: $100.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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