Christian Gonzalez, a 25-year-old resident of Fresno, has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for distributing fentanyl. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.

Court documents reveal that on July 20, 2020, Gonzalez distributed ten fentanyl pills in Fresno. One of these pills was later consumed by a victim who overdosed and died. Approximately one month after this incident, an undercover law enforcement officer arranged to purchase fentanyl pills from Gonzalez in a parking lot. During this meeting, Gonzalez was arrested with the pills in his possession. He pleaded guilty to the distribution of fentanyl on July 29, 2024.

The investigation into Gonzalez's activities was conducted by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team. This multi-agency team includes Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is handling the prosecution.

This case falls under Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a program aimed at reducing the supply of synthetic opioids in high-impact areas while identifying distribution networks and suppliers both domestically and internationally. The Justice Department launched S.O.S. in July 2018, implementing it in the Eastern District of California along with nine other federal districts.