United States Attorney Clare E Connors | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Matthew McBraun, a 38-year-old resident of Oahu, has been sentenced to 96 months in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright for distributing fentanyl mixed with heroin, leading to an overdose death. Additionally, McBraun received a 24-month sentence for assaulting a United States Marshals Service Deputy Security Officer while in custody. He had previously pled guilty to the assault charge and was later convicted by a federal jury for distribution of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute.
“McBraun’s criminal actions wholly support the serious sentence imposed in this case,” stated United States Attorney Connors. “Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in dangerous situations to keep our community safe. We will continue to prosecute aggressively those who harm our community by distributing illegal narcotics and committing violent crimes, as well as those who harm law enforcement officers carrying out their sworn duties.”
Court proceedings revealed that in October 2022, McBraun sold fentanyl to Cory Germain, who acted as a middleman for the victim who later overdosed and died. Investigators testified that drug paraphernalia found at the scene contained a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, confirmed by toxicology reports showing both substances in the victim's body. Experts testified that it is common for fentanyl to be cut with heroin and identified these drugs as contributing factors to the victim's death.
While awaiting trial on drug charges, McBraun headbutted a U.S. Deputy Security Officer during transport to the Honolulu Federal Detention Center (FDC). The incident occurred after McBraun became upset when the officer braked unexpectedly during transit.
Judge Seabright imposed an upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range at sentencing, citing evidence that McBraun’s distribution of fentanyl mixed with heroin was both causative and contributory to the victim’s death.
The court also confirmed that Sajib Anas supplied McBraun with fentanyl; Anas received narcotics from Bronson Kepaa. All parties involved have pled guilty to various federal charges: Germain was sentenced in July 2024 to approximately one year in prison; Anas received an 85-month sentence in October 2024; Kepaa was sentenced to 151 months for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and another 120 months for possessing an unregistered firearm.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Honolulu Police Department conducted the drug investigation, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation handled the assault investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aislinn Affinito, Michael Nammar, and Mohammad Khatib prosecuted this case.
