Two Sentenced in Texas Fentanyl Overdose Case

Lizbeth Prieto, 19, and Cristian Lopez, 24, have been sentenced to a combined 15 years in federal prison for supplying fentanyl pills that led to the fatal overdose of a 15-year-old girl in Carrollton, Texas. Prieto received a seven-year sentence for distributing a controlled substance to a minor, while Lopez was sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to distribute. Investigators found counterfeit Percocet pills in the victim's bedroom, which tested positive for fentanyl, and documented communications revealing the sale of these pills for $100 just before the girl's death. U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities and announced the launch of the Protect Our Children Project aimed at preventing such tragedies. The case highlights the dangers posed by fentanyl trafficking to youth, prompting authorities to intensify efforts against drug dealers. Both defendants pleaded guilty in 2023 after being indicted in connection with the case.