HONOLULU – Justin Wu, a 23-year-old Waikiki resident, will spend the next decade in federal prison after being sentenced for distributing the fentanyl-laced pills that contributed to the death of an 18-year-old U.S. Marine. U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park handed down the 120-month sentence yesterday, followed by five years of supervised release, for charges of distributing pills containing fentanyl and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The case, investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), with support from the Honolulu Police Department, revealed Wu supplied five small blue pills containing fentanyl to the Marine on November 9, 2021. The Marine tragically succumbed to fentanyl toxicity just one day later. Wu’s arrest on June 29, 2022, also uncovered approximately 17 grams of cocaine in his possession, further cementing his role as a drug trafficker.
Judge Park didn’t mince words, issuing an upward variance from the standard sentencing guidelines. She explicitly cited Wu’s role in the Marine’s death as a key factor, stating his actions “contributed to and facilitated” the tragic outcome. This wasn’t Wu’s first brush with the law; he was already on federal probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction when he continued his criminal enterprise.
The judge characterized Wu’s actions while on probation as a “brazen” betrayal of the court’s trust. Adding to his offenses, Wu attempted to obstruct justice while awaiting trial, soliciting another individual to provide false testimony on his behalf – a desperate and ultimately failed attempt to evade accountability. His prior probation was revoked, and a concurrent sentence was added to his 10-year term.
Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson made the announcement, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting those who peddle deadly drugs. The DEA and NCIS worked meticulously to connect Wu to the fentanyl pills and build a solid case, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to combat the ongoing fentanyl crisis.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Jonathan D. Slack were the driving forces behind the prosecution, successfully arguing for the significant sentence. This case serves as a stark reminder of the lethal consequences of fentanyl distribution and the dedication of federal agencies to holding drug dealers accountable for their actions, especially when they prey on service members.
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Key Facts
- State: Hawaii
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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