Susan T. Lehr, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
Michael Reis, a 29-year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for distributing fentanyl that led to the death of a four-year-old and for sex trafficking of a minor. The sentencing took place on February 25, 2025, in federal court in Omaha. There is no parole available in the federal system. After serving his sentence, Reis will undergo a five-year term of supervised release.
The case dates back to March 12, 2022, when deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call at Aspen Grove apartment complex regarding an unresponsive child. The child was transported to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center but was pronounced dead due to fentanyl toxicity. The investigation conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration’s Task Force Group 3 revealed that Reis sold a fentanyl pill to Paris Hunt on the day of the incident, which ended up with Hunt's son.
During questioning following his arrest on a federal warrant, Reis denied responsibility but admitted selling pills on multiple occasions to Paris Hunt. He also acknowledged being aware of the dangers associated with fentanyl-laced pills.
"Today’s sentencing will not bring back the smiling four-year-old child who ingested a fake pill left lying on a table," said DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell. "But Michael Reis will spend the rest of his life in prison."
This is reportedly the first life sentence for distributing fentanyl resulting in death within Nebraska's district.
Reis's conviction for sex trafficking involved a separate investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and Omaha Police Department into incidents involving a runaway minor sold for sex after meeting him online under an alias. Evidence was found on Reis's phone showing he described himself as a pimp and exploited vulnerable women.
“For years, Reis exploited those weaker and more vulnerable than him," stated U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito.
On September 5, 2024, Reis pled guilty to sex trafficking charges; later that year, he was found guilty by jury trial for selling fentanyl causing death.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen emphasized that "today’s sentence sends a strong message" against drug distribution and exploitation crimes.
The case involved cooperation between several law enforcement agencies including Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Omaha Police Department, and Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
