A Des Moines man has been sentenced to 220 months in federal prison for his involvement in drug and firearm-related crimes. Sean Michael O’Boyle, aged 34, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Court documents reveal that in the fall of 2024, O’Boyle was involved in selling and receiving large quantities of fentanyl. On September 30, 2024, law enforcement attempted to approach O’Boyle's vehicle. He fled the scene, colliding with a police car and crashing into a tree before continuing on foot. During the chase, he discarded a stolen loaded firearm. Authorities later discovered more fentanyl and another firearm inside his vehicle.
At his sentencing hearing, O’Boyle was held accountable for possessing 315 grams of fentanyl and creating substantial risk during his escape attempt. After serving his prison term, he will undergo five years of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation.
Fentanyl remains a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S., particularly affecting youth aged 15 to 24 between 2018 and 2022. The Drug Enforcement Administration warns about counterfeit pills laced with lethal doses of fentanyl through their campaign "One Pill Can Kill."
