Stockton man sentenced to more than 7 years in prison for fentanyl distribution
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Manuel Felix-Rivera, 34, of Stockton, was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison for conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott and DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux announced.
According to court documents, between September 2018 and March 18, 2019, Felix-Rivera conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. During the conspiracy, Felix-Rivera sold fentanyl to an undercover source five times. When agents executed a search warrant at Felix-Rivera’s house, they found fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Felix-Rivera distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 1,157 grams of actual fentanyl. Studies indicate that just three milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal.
“Fentanyl can kill and has killed. Felix-Rivera possessed enough fentanyl to potentially kill over 380,000 people and sold highly dangerous drugs to multiple buyers,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “Felix-Rivera’s disregard for the lives of others warrants today’s sentence. Fortunately, law enforcement was able to stop the streets of Stockton from being flooded with thousands of doses of this potentially lethal opioid.”
“Just a few grains of fentanyl can have deadly consequences. Felix-Rivera was in possession of more than two and a half pounds of the substance at the time of his arrest, creating a potentially fatal situation for thousands of people,” said Special Agent in Charge Comeaux. “Today’s sentence sends the message that DEA and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate those whose conduct represents a danger to the community.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S Attorney Ross Pearson prosecuted the case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The OCDETF program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
