20 Charged YTD 2025 With Selling Fentanyl Causing Fatal Drug Overdoses

Federal Prosecutors File 20 Cases This Year Against Alleged Drug Dealers Who Sold Fentanyl that Caused Fatal Drug Overdoses.

The charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The cases filed this year with activities near the San Fernando Valley include:

 Michael McDevitt, 43, of Simi Valley, is charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. In September 2021

• McDevitt allegedly distributed the powerful synthetic opioid in Ventura County to the victim, who later died. McDevitt also is charged with possession with intending to distribute methamphetamine. McDevitt has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a June 10 trial is scheduled in this matter. He has been in federal custody since April 11. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Blake Hannah of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.  

• Jesus Erick Casillas, 56, of Lancaster, is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, in connection with the overdose death of a victim in Los Angeles County in January 2024. 
  • Casillas, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge, has been in federal custody since January 24. He awaits an October 26 trial date. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph S. Guzman of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.

• Roberto Alexis Perez, 26, of Palmdale, is charged in a one-count indictment with distributing fentanyl on September 3, 2022, in Los Angeles County, which resulted in the victim’s death.
  • The DEA and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Diane B. Roldán of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Nicholas G. Purcell of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this matter.

• Damian Michael Evans, 46, of Palmdale, was arrested Thursday (5/16/25) and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
  • A 10-time convicted felon from the Antelope Valley has been arrested on a 10-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he distributed fentanyl that resulted in the overdose deaths of four victims at a Palmdale house last year, the Justice Department announced today. 

Central District of California | Federal Prosecutors File 20 Cases This Year Against Alleged Drug Dealers Who Sold Fentanyl that Caused Fatal Drug Overdoses | United States Department of Justice

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