E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
A man from the Antelope Valley has been arrested following a federal indictment alleging his involvement in distributing fentanyl, leading to four overdose deaths at a Palmdale residence last year. The Department of Justice announced that Damian Michael Evans, 46, was taken into custody on Thursday and is set for arraignment in Los Angeles District Court.
Evans faces multiple charges including distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA. Additionally, he is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition in connection with drug trafficking activities and being a felon in possession of these items.
The indictment alleges that on January 15, 2024, Evans distributed fentanyl which led to the fatalities. He reportedly continued possessing illegal narcotics even after these incidents occurred. Evans also allegedly possessed a revolver despite being prohibited due to his criminal history involving ten felony convictions between 1997 and 2016.
The indictment remains an allegation at this stage. "All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
Should Evans be convicted on all counts, he faces severe penalties including a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and potentially life imprisonment.
This case falls under the purview of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Justice Program alongside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department's Overdose Response Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Brittney M. Harris is overseeing prosecution efforts for this case.
