A Silver Spring man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that led to the death of a minor in Bethesda, Maryland, in January 2022. Mikiyas Kefyalew, 27, will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Deborah L. Boardman. According to court documents, Kefyalew distributed pills containing fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl to the victim. The pills were marked “M 30,” which is commonly used on legitimate oxycodone hydrochloride tablets.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence alongside officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and Rockville City Police Department (RCPD).
“This case is a heartbreaking example of the horrific impact fentanyl is having on our communities, especially our youth,” Hayes said. “Unfortunately, no sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by this young victim’s family who will live with the consequences of this defendant’s ruthless actions for the rest of their lives. Our office and law enforcement partners remain firmly committed to seeking justice for victims of the fentanyl crisis and doing everything in our power to hold fentanyl dealers accountable.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Shane Todd of the DEA commented on the dangers posed by illegal drugs: “Illegal drugs kill people. Fentanyl kills people,” Todd said. “Criminals like Mr. Kefyalew destroy lots of families by selling deadly illicit drugs, many of which are laced with fentanyl. What’s even more concerning is that they prey on vulnerable individuals by misleading them into believing they are consuming something different. This sentence reflects our dedication to investigating and holding accountable those criminals responsible for perpetuating opioid addiction and fatal poisonings in our community. Our job is to ultimately protect the lives of our residents.”
Kefyalew received an enhanced sentence due to knowingly misrepresenting fentanyl as another substance and targeting a vulnerable victim. In addition to his prison term, he must forfeit proceeds from drug sales and pay restitution.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including DEA, MCPD, RCPD, Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Joel Crespo prosecuted the case.
More information about resources offered by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
