Austin resident Sylvester Orlowski, 27, has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for his role in two deaths resulting from a fentanyl overdose in May of this year. This sentence was announced by United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Lee Yeakel ordered that Orlowski pay restitutions to the families of both victims to cover funeral expenses; and, be placed on supervised release for a period of five years after completing his prison term.
On August 10, 2016, Orlowski pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl causing death. By pleading guilty, Orlowski admitted that in May 2016, he sold Fentanyl in powder form to Zane Paduano. Paduano and Clayton Wimberley, subsequently overdosed after ingesting that Fentanyl.
Fentanyl, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, is a narcotic analgesic used for pain control and anesthesia. In large or concentrated doses it suppresses the respiratory system and causes death. The dangers of fentanyl are well-documented, and this case highlights the devastating consequences of its distribution and use.
On September 1, 2016, Orlowski’s Fentanyl source and co-defendant, 29–year-old Austin resident Albert C. Picazo, III, pleaded guilty to the same charge and is awaiting sentencing scheduled for 9:00am on November 17, 2016, before Judge Yeakel. Picazo, who has remained in custody since both defendants were arrested on May 18, 2016, faces up to life in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Organized Crime Unit of the Austin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Marshall is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government. The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in combating the scourge of fentanyl and other controlled substances.
The sentence handed down to Orlowski serves as a warning to those who would engage in the distribution of fentanyl and other deadly substances. The consequences of such actions can be severe, and law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. As the community continues to grapple with the dangers of fentanyl, it is essential that we remain vigilant and support efforts to combat its distribution and use.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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