United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, which resulted in the overdose deaths of two people during the spring of 2023, announced the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division.

Michel Joseph Abdallah, 21, a.k.a. “Mike,” of Laguna Niguel, was sentenced Tuesday by United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter.

Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, said, “This defendant’s actions caused irreversible harm. With no regard to the trail of devastation, he continued dealing fentanyl despite two deaths. His negligence could have resulted in further despair. While this verdict cannot reverse the loss, we hope it provides a sense of closure and finality for the families and friends involved. The DEA remains committed to working with law enforcement partners to identify those peddling dangerous drugs and hold them fully accountable for the lives they destroy.”

Abdallah was charged in a six-count indictment, in January 2025. According to the indictment, Abdallah distributed fentanyl to a victim – identified as “C.R.” – on March 25, 2023, in Mission Viejo. C.R. used the drug, which resulted in a fatal overdose. On May 15, 2023, in Aliso Viejo, Abdallah again distributed fentanyl – this time, to victim “L.F.,” who ingested the powerful synthetic opioid and died.

The indictment further alleged that Abdallah possessed a total of 1.3 kilograms (2.9 pounds) of fentanyl on June 10, 2023. On this date, he allegedly also possessed two firearms, including an AR-15-style pistol bearing no serial number, which commonly is referred to as a “ghost gun.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the Santa Ana Police Department investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Rabbani, of the Orange County Office, prosecuted this case.