Jonathan Tyler Gauthier has admitted in federal court to distributing fentanyl that led to two fatal overdoses. The 26-year-old from San Diego pleaded guilty, acknowledging his role in the deaths of S.M.G. on September 7, 2022, and J.A.W. on December 24, 2022.
The plea agreement details that police responded to a residence in Hillcrest on September 7, where they found S.M.G., aged 24, deceased. Investigations revealed a history of drug transactions between S.M.G. and Gauthier dating back to at least 2019. Evidence showed that on September 6, S.M.G. met with Gauthier in La Jolla and was warned about the potency of the fentanyl batch he purchased.
On December 24, officers were called to a North Clairemont residence where they found J.A.W., a 27-year-old male, who was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Near his body were drug paraphernalia and pills containing fentanyl.
J.A.W.'s communications with Gauthier began on December 18 as he sought "blues," counterfeit pills often laced with fentanyl. They agreed on a transaction for $80 for ten pills, which took place at Gauthier's storage unit on December 23.
Gauthier's sentencing is set for May 30 before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Gordon and David Fawcett are prosecuting the case following an investigation by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team and Homeland Security Investigations’ Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST).
The Overdose Response Team comprises multiple local and federal agencies working together to tackle illegal drug distribution leading to overdose deaths, specifically focusing on fentanyl-related cases due to rising incidents in San Diego County.
The FAST initiative aims at dismantling criminal networks involved in smuggling and distributing fentanyl within the county.
Gauthier faces charges under case number 24-CR-1383-JLS for distribution of fentanyl under Title 21 U.S.C §841(a)(1), carrying a maximum penalty of twenty years per count.