A federal indictment has been unsealed in Fresno, California, charging two men with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Austin Lloyd Kerns, 53, from Fresno, and Lakota Tehya Wakley, 21, from Clovis are accused of involvement in the distribution of the drug. Kerns faces additional charges for distributing fentanyl and illegal possession of ammunition.

The court documents reveal that between November and December 2024, Kerns allegedly collaborated with Wakley and others to sell fentanyl pills in Fresno County. On November 23 and 24, 2024, Kerns reportedly sold fentanyl to a victim referred by Wakley for a fee. The victim subsequently died from a fentanyl overdose. When law enforcement arrested Kerns on December 9 at his residence, they seized approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition and handgun parts.

The investigation is being conducted by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team (FORT), which includes members from several agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as police departments from Fresno and Clovis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Lee is leading the prosecution.

If found guilty, both defendants could face up to 20 years in prison along with a $1 million fine. However, any sentencing will be determined by the court based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines after considering various elements. It is important to note that these charges are allegations; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case falls under Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an initiative aimed at reducing synthetic opioid supply in high-impact areas while identifying distribution networks and suppliers both domestically and internationally. The Justice Department launched S.O.S. in July 2018 across ten federal districts including the Eastern District of California.