Fresno Man Sentenced to Almost 15 Years in prison for Fentanyl Distribution to a Minor, Other Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

FRESNO, Calif. — Geno Maciel, 25, of Fresno, was sentenced today to almost 15 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl and alprazolam to a person under 21 years of age, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, alprazolam, and ecstasy, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, on July 5, 2021, Maciel provided a 16-year-old with a counterfeit pill that was laced with fentanyl. The juvenile victim died as a result of fentanyl intoxication.

A few weeks later, investigators executed a search warrant at Maciel’s residence, on his car and person, and found additional pills laced with fentanyl, alprazolam, and ecstasy, as well as ammunition and 11 firearms.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Several investigators were part of the FORT team, a team with a mission to deploy to the scene of an overdose, with or without a fatality, to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the event and ultimately bring a resolution to the victims by prosecuting the sources of supply who are responsible. The team is also focused on education on the dangers of fentanyl and how first responders treat these cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.