U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal | U.S. Department of Justice
A Des Moines woman has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing a fentanyl-laced pill that led to a teenager's death. The sentencing took place on November 15, 2024.
Court documents reveal that Nevaeh Simone Botts, aged 21, sold fentanyl pills to a 16-year-old who later overdosed and died. Additionally, Botts sold fentanyl pills to an undercover officer on three occasions. A search of her apartment in July 2023 uncovered hundreds of fentanyl pills and two firearms.
Following her prison term, Botts will undergo five years of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system. She has also been ordered to pay $5,574.09 in restitution.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa. The case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.
Fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug overdose deaths across the United States. Statistics show that between 2018 and 2022, deaths due to fentanyl among youths aged 15 to 24 more than doubled. Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl often mimic pharmaceutical drugs but contain potentially fatal doses of the substance. More information can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website under "One Pill Can Kill."
