United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Keith Fox, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, has been sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl analogue. The sentencing took place on January 16, 2025, where United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher handed down a sentence of 60 months' imprisonment. Following his release from prison, Fox will serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case against Fox began in September 2023 when a confidential informant working with the DEA Overdose Task Force purchased 7.5 grams of fentanyl analogue from him. Known as "Shorty" on the streets, Fox was involved in selling powder fentanyl, noted for its potency compared to M30 pills. In December 2023, the informant made another purchase of eight grams of powder fentanyl analogue from Fox. Both transactions occurred in Omaha.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Drug Task Force. This task force includes law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.