Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : A man and two women have been sentenced for their involvement in distributing fentanyl-laced pills to an 18-year-old who tragically lost his life. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) identified the individuals as 46-year-old David Lee Jr., 43-year-old Virginia Zepeda, and 37-year-old Jackie Lynne Chester. The investigation revealed that they were suppliers of counterfeit oxycodone pills and other counterfeit prescription pills.
According to court documents, video surveillance footage captured the victim approaching Lee’s vehicle at a gas station, where he engaged in a hand-to-hand exchange with Chester through the vehicle’s window. Authorities discovered four and a half counterfeit oxycodone tablets in the victim’s home after his untimely death. The pills were found to contain lethal doses of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas expressed his dismay over the situation, stating, “These drug dealers knowingly sold several counterfeit pills, each containing incredibly lethal doses of fentanyl, to an unsuspecting victim, tragically leading to the poisoning and death of an 18-year-old. This is another case in which a young victim leaves behind their loving family and friends, while the criminals themselves walked away with the intent to cause more harm.”
During the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted controlled buys with Lee and Zepeda, providing evidence of their active distribution of fentanyl disguised as counterfeit oxycodone pills even after the victim’s passing. As a result, Lee was sentenced to 20 years in prison, Zepeda received a sentence of 11 years and three months, and Chester was sentenced to nine years.
The case was a collaborative effort involving the DEA, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office. The agencies worked together to gather evidence and ensure that justice was served for the young victim and his grieving family.
The sentencing of these individuals serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with counterfeit prescription pills and the need for continued efforts to combat the distribution of illicit drugs. The DOJ and law enforcement agencies remain committed to protecting communities and preventing such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
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