Carlos Lopez Montoya, 32, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 18 in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher ordered Lopez Montoya to serve 240 months in prison without the possibility of parole. After his release, he will be subject to a three-year term of supervised release, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods.
The sentencing follows an investigation into the overdose death of a victim found unresponsive at an Omaha residence on March 5, 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s overdose task force tracked the source and movement of the fentanyl pills that led to the fatality.
According to prosecutors, a co-defendant based in California sold fentanyl pills to Lopez Montoya in Grand Island. Lopez Montoya then sold them to Ventura Montoya Gonsalez, who transferred them to Asia Blackburn in Omaha. Blackburn subsequently sold the pills to Deyon Downing before they ultimately reached the victim. The cause of death was determined as acute intoxication from acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl fluorofentanyl, paroxetine, and quetiapine.
All individuals involved were found or pleaded guilty and received sentences: Asia Blackburn was sentenced to 320 months’ imprisonment; Ventura Montoya Gonsalez and Deyon Downing each received sentences of 240 months’ imprisonment. An arrest warrant remains active for one additional co-defendant.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities and law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration Overdose Task Force to address opioid-related deaths through criminal prosecution.
