San Diego Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in 15-Year-Old’s Death
SAN DIEGO – Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap of San Diego pleaded guilty today to distributing a fake pill containing fentanyl that killed a 15-year-old Coronado High School sophomore, referred to in court records as C.J.S., on May 12, 2021.
During the change of plea hearing, Beltranlap admitted to utilizing his Instagram account to coordinate a drug transaction with C.J.S. Beltranlap warned C.J.S. to only take half the pill because it was “strong.” Law enforcement responded on May 13, 2021 after learning of C.J.S.’s fatal overdose. Beltranlap was arrested the next day carrying five fake pills containing fentanyl. In the plea agreement, Beltranlap and the Government stipulated that the Sentencing Guidelines for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and/or serious bodily injury will apply.
“Parents: I’m pleading with you to please talk to your child – no matter their age - about the dangers of taking a pill that didn’t come from a doctor or pharmacist. Although difficult, this conversation could save your child’s life.” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe.
“C.J.S.’s tragic death must not be in vain. We need to continue to educate our middle and high school age children about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Our office will continue to pursue these cases to ensure that those who peddle this poison to youth face the full measure of federal prosecution.”
“C.J.S. was child and a member of our community. We know this will not make the family whole but we appreciate the multi-agency collaboration that went into holding this offender accountable.” said Coronado Police Chief Chuck Kaye.
Beltranlap is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo.
This case is the result of an investigation by the DEA Overdose Response Team and the Coronado Police Department. The DEA created the Overdose Response Team due to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County. The team investigates the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The team consists of investigators from DEA, HSI, FBI, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego Police Department, La Mesa Police Department and the State of California Department of Health Care Services.
AGENCIES: Coronado Police Department, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego Police Department, California Department of Health Care Services, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and La Mesa Police Department.
