Mueller Chrystal, Fentanyl Distribution, California 2022

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Table of Contents

North Highlands Man Gets 5 Years for Fentanyl Distribution

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sergey Tkachuk, 28, of North Highlands, made a grave mistake that cost another person their life. Tkachuk was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to five years in prison for distribution of fentanyl, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

According to court documents, in March 2016, Tkachuk obtained 40 pills bearing the mark “M367,” which indicated that the pill was a Lortab 10 or Norco. But these pills were not what they seemed. They were counterfeit versions and contained fentanyl. Tkachuk then sold 16 of the pills to another person for $6 per pill, and that person subsequently died of an overdose.

On April 19, 2021, Tkachuk pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. The plea agreement indicates that Tkachuk did not know that the pills were counterfeit.

“This case is another example of the extreme danger posed by pills that appear to be legitimate pharmaceutical products but actually contain fentanyl,” Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert said. “The public should be aware than any pill that did not come directly from a pharmacy as a result of a valid prescription could contain deadly quantities of fentanyl or other drugs. Counterfeit pills often look exactly like legitimate pills, but they have caused untold numbers of deaths as a result of what they actually contain. This sentence should be a message to anyone buying or selling illicitly obtained pills—not knowing that pills contain fentanyl is not an excuse from criminal liability and taking them could result in death.”

The case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Hemesath prosecuted the case.

Tkachuk’s actions demonstrate the devastating consequences of fentanyl distribution. His 5-year sentence should serve as a warning to those who engage in similar activities. The public should be vigilant and aware of the dangers of counterfeit pills and the importance of obtaining medications only through legitimate channels.

The Grimy Times will continue to report on cases like this to keep the public informed and raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl distribution and counterfeit pills.