Abel Jose Farias, a 21-year-old resident of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison. The sentencing follows his conviction for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and illegal possession of two firearms after a previous felony conviction. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Farias faced a four-count indictment from a federal Grand Jury on July 18, 2024. The charges included possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to public records, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents began investigating in December 2023 after receiving information about an individual selling fentanyl pills. They arranged a meeting at a gas station in Moore, Oklahoma, where they arrested Farias and found fentanyl pills and a firearm in his vehicle. A subsequent search at his residence revealed another firearm.
On November 13, 2024, Farias pleaded guilty to three counts from the indictment. He admitted to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it and owning two firearms despite being prohibited due to his felony convictions.
During the sentencing hearing on January 28, 2024, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Farias to serve time in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. The court emphasized the dangerous nature of fentanyl and noted that firearms were involved in Farias's previous convictions. Judge Heaton stated that the sentence was necessary to uphold respect for the rule of law.
Public records indicate that Farias has prior felony convictions from Oklahoma County District Court for first-degree burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation leading to this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the 21st District Attorney Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case.
Further details can be found in public filings.