A federal indictment was unsealed in Fresno, California, charging two men with conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Austin Lloyd Kerns, 53, from Fresno, and Lakota Tehya Wakley, 21, from Clovis, face charges related to fentanyl distribution. Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced the charges.
Court documents indicate that between November and December 2024, Kerns collaborated with Wakley and others to sell fentanyl pills in Fresno County. On November 23 and 24 of the same year, Kerns allegedly sold fentanyl to a victim referred by Wakley for a fee. The victim later died from an overdose. Upon arresting Kerns on December 9 at his home, authorities seized approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills along with ammunition and handgun parts.
The investigation was conducted by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (FORT), which includes multiple agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Lee is handling the prosecution.
If convicted, both defendants could face up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $1 million each. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. It is important to note that these charges are allegations; both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a Justice Department initiative aimed at reducing synthetic opioid supply in high-impact areas while identifying distribution networks and suppliers domestically and internationally.