E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
A Montebello resident, Juan Carlos Gutierrez, also known as "Johnny G," has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. This decision follows his conviction for distributing fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose at a Long Beach drug rehabilitation facility in late 2021. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr.
In July 2024, a federal jury found Gutierrez guilty of distributing fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury. He has been held in federal custody since May 2023.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally commented on the case: “The distribution of fentanyl is causing incredible devastation to families and communities. Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that those who peddle these lethal drugs and fuel this crisis will be held accountable for the destruction they cause.”
Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division, added: “This case underscores the callous and insatiable greed that fuels drug distributors. They are indifferent to the stories, vulnerabilities, and the struggles of those tunneling through addiction and recovery. DEA is working in lockstep with our federal and local partners to bring to justice fentanyl distributors, who engage in dangerous and deadly activity.”
Evidence presented during an eight-day trial revealed that on December 9, 2021, Gutierrez supplied fentanyl to co-defendant Jayleen Feusier from South Gate. Feusier then agreed to obtain fentanyl for a victim residing at the Long Beach treatment facility in exchange for $60.
Feusier delivered approximately one gram of fentanyl packaged with paraphernalia via an Uber service to the victim at the rehabilitation center. The victim retrieved the package around 11 p.m., but was found deceased inside the facility's living room about six hours later. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office determined that a fentanyl overdose caused his death.
Feusier pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and received a sentence of over eight years in prison in August 2024.
The investigation involved both the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Long Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy K. Beecher and Danbee C. Kim prosecuted this case.
