United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced the sentencing of Matthew McBraun, a 38-year-old resident of Oahu, who was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 96 months in prison for distributing fentanyl cut with heroin, resulting in an overdose death. McBraun received an additional 24 months for assaulting a United States Marshals Service Deputy Security Officer while in custody. He had previously pled guilty to the assault and was later convicted by a federal jury of distribution and possession charges related to methamphetamine and fentanyl.
"McBraun’s criminal actions wholly support the serious sentence imposed in this case," said United States Attorney Connors. "Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in dangerous situations to keep our community safe. We will continue to prosecute aggressively those who harm our community by distributing illegal narcotics and committing violent crimes, as well as those who harm law enforcement officers carrying out their sworn duties."
In October 2022, McBraun sold fentanyl to Cory Germain, who acted as a middleman for the victim who overdosed and died shortly after. Evidence presented at trial showed that drug paraphernalia found at the scene contained a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. Toxicology reports confirmed both substances in the victim's body. Expert testimony established that the combination contributed significantly to the fatality.
While awaiting trial on these charges, McBraun assaulted a U.S. Deputy Security Officer during transport to Honolulu Federal Detention Center by headbutting him after becoming upset over sudden braking during transit.
Judge Seabright noted an upward variance from advisory guidelines due to McBraun's role in causing the victim's death through drug distribution involving fentanyl mixed with heroin.
Court documents identified Sajib Anas as McBraun’s source for fentanyl, with Anas receiving drugs from Bronson Kepaa. Both Anas and Kepaa were sentenced following guilty pleas alongside Germain for various federal offenses connected to this case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Honolulu Police Department led the drug investigation while the Federal Bureau of Investigation handled inquiries into the assault incident.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aislinn Affinito, Michael Nammar, and Mohammad Khatib prosecuted this case.