A Montebello man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, which led to a fatal overdose at a Long Beach drug treatment facility. Juan Carlos Gutierrez, also known as "Johnny G," was sentenced by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr.
In July 2024, a federal jury found Gutierrez guilty of distributing fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury. He has been in custody since May 2023.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally commented on the case: “The distribution of fentanyl is causing incredible devastation to families and communities. Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that those who peddle these lethal drugs and fuel this crisis will be held accountable for the destruction they cause.”
Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Los Angeles Field Division, added: “This case underscores the callous and insatiable greed that fuels drug distributors. They are indifferent to the stories, vulnerabilities, and the struggles of those tunneling through addiction and recovery. DEA is working in lockstep with our federal and local partners to bring to justice fentanyl distributors, who engage in dangerous and deadly activity.”
During an eight-day trial, evidence showed that on December 9, 2021, Gutierrez provided fentanyl to co-defendant Jayleen Feusier from South Gate. Feusier then supplied it to a victim residing at a Long Beach drug treatment facility for $60.
Feusier prepared approximately one gram of fentanyl into a small package along with paraphernalia for delivery via Uber to the victim. The victim retrieved it around 11 p.m., but was found dead inside the facility six hours later due to a fentanyl overdose.
Feusier pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and received a sentence of over eight years in August 2024.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Long Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy K. Beecher and Danbee C. Kim prosecuted the case.