Justin Wu, a 23-year-old resident of Waikiki, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl-laced pills and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson and delivered by U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park.
Court records indicate that on November 9, 2021, Wu distributed five blue pills containing fentanyl to an 18-year-old U.S. Marine. The Marine died the following day from fentanyl toxicity. Wu was later arrested on June 29, 2022, while in possession of about 17 grams of cocaine.
Judge Park imposed a sentence above the advisory guidelines after finding that Wu’s actions directly contributed to the Marine's death. She also noted that Wu continued drug trafficking activities while already on federal probation for a previous conviction and described his conduct as a “brazen” betrayal of the court’s trust. Additionally, while awaiting trial in custody, Wu attempted to obstruct justice by encouraging another individual to provide false testimony on his behalf. As a result, his prior federal probation was revoked and he received concurrent sentences.
The investigation involved cooperation between the Drug Enforcement Administration and Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with support from the Honolulu Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case.
