Deyon Downing, a 30-year-old resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl that resulted in death. The sentencing took place on December 17, 2025, at the federal court in Omaha, Nebraska. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the case. There is no parole available in the federal system. After completing his prison term, Downing will serve three years of supervised release.
According to information from the United States Attorney’s Office, the case began when a victim was found unresponsive at an Omaha residence on March 5, 2024. An investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s overdose task force traced the source of fentanyl pills through several individuals: from Alexis Cuadras Graciano in California to Carlos Lopez Montoya in Grand Island; then to Ventura Montoya Gonsalez; followed by Asia Blackburn in Omaha; and finally to Deyon Downing. Downing sold the pills to the victim prior to their death.
The cause of death was determined as acute intoxication from acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl fluorofentanyl, paroxetine, and quetiapine.
All parties involved had agreed to distribute fentanyl. Asia Blackburn previously pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 320 months’ imprisonment. Ventura Montoya Gonsalez and Carlos Lopez Montoya have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Overdose Task Force led the investigation into this case.
