Dominik Israel Lopez, a 24-year-old Mesa resident, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl that resulted in a fatal overdose. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Krissa Lanham on November 24, 2025. After his release from prison, Lopez will serve three years of supervised release.
The case stems from an incident in March 2020 when a man was found dead in his Gilbert apartment. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be fentanyl toxicity. Investigators discovered that the victim had contacted Lopez through the messaging app Whisper and purchased four fentanyl pills for $40. The victim overdosed and died after using just one pill.
"At the end of every drug overdose death are countless victims," said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. "There are the dead, taken too early, families who lose loved ones, and communities slowly being torn apart. This sentence shows that the Department of Justice will pursue harsh penalties for all drug dealers. I am proud to stand alongside the victim’s family and our law enforcement partners in holding this defendant accountable."
DEA Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Cheri Oz stated: "Drug traffickers who deal deadly drugs and destroy lives will face justice. The DEA, alongside our dedicated partners, remains steadfast in our mission to save lives and achieve a Fentanyl-Free America."
Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg added: "The Gilbert Police Department works in close partnership with law enforcement agencies in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs, including holding accountable those whose actions result in death through drug distribution. We remain steadfast in our relentless pursuit of those who victimize our community."
Fentanyl is described as a synthetic opioid about 50 times stronger than heroin; even two milligrams can be lethal. Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are often sold via social media platforms. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose and poisoning now represent the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45.
Authorities emphasize that legitimate prescription medications should only be obtained directly from licensed medical professionals or pharmacists rather than through social media channels.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gilbert Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Brown and Jason Crowley prosecuted the case.
