Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
A Chicago resident, Devon Frazier, was sentenced on March 20 to more than 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address the dangers posed by the distribution of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl. These substances have been linked to numerous overdoses and deaths across the country.
According to information presented at the sentencing hearing, Frazier distributed over 111 grams of ice methamphetamine on February 8, 2023. On February 13, he distributed what was believed to be an additional 282 grams of methamphetamine; however, laboratory testing later revealed this substance was sea salt. After this transaction, officers stopped a vehicle occupied by Frazier and arrested him. During transport to the Linn County Correctional Center, Frazier dropped a bag containing 362 pills laced with fentanyl onto the patrol car floorboard, which officers recovered.
Further evidence showed that on March 3, Frazier provided a purported Xanax pill containing fentanyl to a nineteen-year-old woman. She ingested the pill in the early hours of March 4 and died from a fentanyl-related overdose. Following her death, Frazier threatened individuals he believed were cooperating with law enforcement.
United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams sentenced Frazier in Cedar Rapids to serve a total of 190 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. He remains in United States Marshal’s custody pending transfer to federal prison.
Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards prosecuted the case with investigations conducted by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Johnson County Drug Enforcement Task Force.
