United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LOS ANGELES – A Simi Valley man has been sentenced to 196 months in federal prison for knowingly possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, the use of which resulted in the fatal overdose of a victim, the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division announced.

Michael McDevitt, 44, of Simi Valley, was sentenced by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald on October 14.

McDevitt pleaded guilty in May 2026 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He has been in federal custody since April 2025.

According to court documents, on or about September 14, 2021, in Ventura County, McDevitt knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl to a victim. McDevitt’s distribution of fentanyl resulted in the death of the victim. McDevitt admitted that on September 14, 2021, defendant invited victim and another individual to his residence. McDevitt supplied the victim with fentanyl. Moments after victim ingested fentanyl, the victim became unconscious and fell to the floor. Rather than obtaining medical care for the victim, McDevitt monitored the victim who lay unconscious on the floor. When defendant realized the victim stopped breathing, in an attempt to counteract the fentanyl overdose, defendant injected victim with methamphetamine. After the victim did not regain consciousness, McDevitt took the victim to a fire station, where victim was pronounced dead. The victim died from ingesting the fentanyl.

The DEA Los Angeles Field Division’s Ventura Resident Office, the Simi Valley Police Department, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VCFOCUS) investigated the matter. In 2021, Simi Valley PD initiated their investigation into McDevitt following the victim’s death. The Simi Valley PD case agent worked alongside the Ventura County Sheriff's Department during the 2023 phase of the investigation. Subsequently, in 2024, the DEA and the United States Attorney's Office assumed prosecutorial responsibility for the case.

David Olesky, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which covers Ventura County, said, “Fentanyl trafficking is a trade in death with no winners.  The defendant’s actions caused a terrible tragedy. Though the victim's family is left with enduring grief, we hope this sentencing brings them some measure of peace. We are grateful for the strong partnership and support of our local law enforcement partners at the Ventura County Sheriff Department and the Simi Valley Police Department for their crucial support.”

Drew Kalies, Acting Resident Agent in Charge of the DEA Ventura Resident Office, said, “This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when local and federal law enforcement work together toward a common goal: holding those responsible for crime accountable. Crime cannot be tolerated. We must remember that every fentanyl statistic represents a real person—and a devastating loss for a family left behind.”

Simi Valley Police Chief Steve Shorts said, “Behind every fatal overdose is a person, a family, and a community forever changed by that loss. This investigation reflects the Simi Valley Police Department’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims and holding those responsible for distributing deadly drugs accountable. We appreciate the strong partnerships that helped bring this case to a conclusion, and we will continue working collaboratively to combat fentanyl and prevent further loss of life.”

“This case highlights the significant impact that can be achieved when law enforcement agencies combine their resources, expertise, and investigative capabilities to address the growing threat posed by illicit fentanyl,” said Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff. “By working collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries, agencies can strengthen investigations, enhance accountability, and help ensure that individuals responsible for these devastating crimes are held accountable. These strong partnerships enhance investigative effectiveness, advance justice for victims and their families, and contribute to safer communities.”

Assistant United States Attorney Blake Hannah of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.