Poway Men Sentenced in Fentanyl Overdose Death of Firefighter

For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Maritsa A. Flaherty (619) 546-6964 and Larry Casper (619) 546-6734

SAN DIEGO – Justin Gale Mata and Everett Justin Curtis, both residents of Poway, were sentenced in federal court today to 180 months and  151 months in prison, respectively, for supplying the fentanyl that led to the fatal overdose of Brian M. Parrish, a Cal Fire firefighter.

In their plea agreements, the defendants admitted that they knowingly supplied the fentanyl that led to Parrish’s death.

In imposing the fifteen year sentence on defendant Mata, U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant noted his criminal record and explained that she needed to “worry about protection of the public” in light of the ongoing opioid crisis and Mata’s dealing of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

On January 30, 2021, Curtis and Parrish exchanged text messages  regarding the purchase of fentanyl to be acquired from Mata. Curtis picked up Parrish and the two drove to a casino to meet Mata. While at the casino, Curtis facilitated the drug deal. Ultimately, Mata supplied the fatal fentanyl and Parrish subsequently overdosed on the fentanyl. Parrish died early the following morning.

The victim’s family described Parrish in court records as a loving, funny, “nature boy.” Parrish’s father said he was “born smiling.” The loss of Parrish has left a “hole” in the hearts of his entire family, according to his mother, including his parents, his sisters, his three children, and grandchild. Likewise, Parrish’s girlfriend called him “the light” of her life. At sentencing, Parrish’s mother noted that, as a firefighter, her son “ran into danger when others would run away.” Parrish’s fire captain told the court that Parrish “was a great firefighter” who “loved what he did” and “what the job represented.”

“Brian Parrish dedicated himself as a firefighter to combatting California’s deadly wildfires, and his loss is tragic for his family and the entire community,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue justice for victims like Brian, and continue to hold dealers accountable under federal law when their drugs result in death. If you are a dealer – find a different business – you will be caught and no money you make from fentanyl is worth the hard time you will spend in a federal prison cell.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and agents from DEA’s Overdose Response Team, which was created to address drug overdose deaths in San Diego,  for their excellent work on this case.

“The DEA and our law enforcement partners continue to aggressively pursue people who are supplying  drugs in our community,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe.  “If a dealer provides drugs that cause someone to die, we will be laser focused on bringing them to justice.” 

A third co-defendant in the case, Ashley C. Cohen, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Mata, her boyfriend, to distribute fentanyl. Cohen, who was not implicated in the death of Parrish, was previously sentenced to 41-months.

U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman praised prosecutors Maritsa Flaherty and Larry Casper as well as the agents from DEA’s Overdose Response Team that was created to address drug overdose deaths in San Diego, for their efforts on these cases. 

For those who suffer from addiction, please know there is help. Call the Crisis line at 888-724-7240; it’s always open.

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Mata - Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Forty years in prison; five year minimum

Curtis - Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego Police Department