Fake Oxycodone Dealer Indicted in San Diego After a Man Dies from Fentanyl Poisoning

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) have announced the arrest and indictment of a 23 year-old Highland, California man accused of selling counterfeit oxycodone pills that killed a La Jolla resident. Trevon Lucas, along with alleged co-conspirators Cenclair Fields, Donovan Carter, and Kevin Chandler have been indicted as part of an ongoing conspiracy to sell hydrocodone pills illegally by advertising on various websites.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the La Jolla resident, only identified in court papers as C.A.S., fatally overdosed in June.  He was found dead by his mother on the morning of June 30th.  Investigators found counterfeit oxycodone pills in the victim’s home.  It was subsequently determined that the pills contained a lethal amount of fentanyl.

“Unless you buy your prescription pills from a legitimate pharmacy, it’s very likely you’ll get fake prescription pills laced with deadly fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen Flowers.

The DOJ notes that Lucas is the fifth person since January to be charged in the Southern California area with distribution of fentanyl causing a death.

Lucas could face as many as 40 years in prison, if convicted on all charges.  His co-conspirators, all in their early 20’s may spend up to 20 years in prison if convicted.