US Sentences Gang Leaders for Fentanyl Trafficking

Several individuals across the U.S. have received significant federal prison sentences for fentanyl and cocaine distribution, underscoring intensified law enforcement action against drug trafficking and related violence. Linoshka Barbosa, a former Hartford, Connecticut gang member, was sentenced to 10.5 years for leading a Vermont-based drug operation involving firearms and connected to violent crimes in Connecticut. Jon Michael Ask of Minnesota received five years in prison after authorities seized 30,000 fentanyl pills from his home. In Indiana, Melvin Green was sentenced to five years for distributing at least 40 grams of fentanyl, with both Ask and Green facing further supervision after release. Rashawn Baum, identified as a Blood Gang member in North Carolina, received a 6.5-year sentence for fentanyl possession with intent to distribute following a police chase, with his federal sentence to begin after he completes a separate state term. Officials highlighted the severe community harm caused by fentanyl and stressed the need for collaborative enforcement initiatives.