Grand Jury Indicts Pair from SFV for Fentanyl Scheme

The media's attention and politicization of Grand Jury indictments may contribute to the public's diluted understanding of the protection of justice and process served.

A May 2nd arrest of Brian McDonald, 22, of Van Nuys — whose aliases include “Malachai Johnson” and “SouthSideOxy”  led to his and Ciara Clutario, 22, of Burbank  eight-count indictment filed Wednesday May 17th in Los Angeles federal court, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

"Brian McDonald  is scheduled for May 25 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Clutario is expected to make her initial appearance in the coming weeks."

Central District of California | Federal Grand Jury Indicts San Fernando Valley Duo Who Allegedly Used Darknet Marketplaces to Sell Fentanyl and Cocaine | United States Department of Justice

" In Los Angeles County, over the past 10 years, opioids have been present in more than 5,000 deaths, which is well over 80 percent of all drug-related deaths in the county."

For information or to schedule a presentation, please contact: USACAC.CommunityOutreach@usdoj.gov.

Both defendants were charged:

• One count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine
• Five counts of distribution of fentanyl
• One count of distribution of cocaine. 

McDonald also is charged with one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, court papers show.

From the Federal Grand Jury Handbook:

"The grand jury has a long and honorable tradition. It was recognized in the Magna Carta, the first English constitutional document, which King John granted in 1215 at the demand of his subjects. The first English grand jury consisted of 12 men selected from the knights or other freemen, who were summoned to inquire into 2 crimes alleged to have been committed in their local community. Thus, grand jurors originally functioned as accusers or witnesses, rather than as judges."

and
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States provides in part that 

“(n)o person shall be  held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury . . . .” 

• except in cases arising in the land or naval forces
• or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger
• nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; 
• nor shall be compelled in any criminal case
  • to be a witness against himself
  • nor be deprived of life
  • liberty
  • property
  • without due process of law
• nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Central District of California | Central District of California (justice.gov)

The role of the Office is to enforce the laws and defend the interests of the United States. It does so through four primary litigating Divisions: Criminal, National Security, Civil, and Tax.

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