Paul “Tony” Billingsley, a 66-year-old resident of Omaha, was sentenced on April 17 in federal court for distributing fentanyl that resulted in a death and for an additional count of fentanyl distribution. United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced the sentencing, which was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Billingsley received a sentence of 264 months’ imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and another sentence of 60 months for distribution of fentanyl, with both sentences to be served concurrently. There is no parole available under the federal system, and upon release Billingsley will serve three years under supervised release.
The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address opioid-related deaths and drug trafficking within Nebraska communities.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on May 6, 2024, Billingsley sold fentanyl to co-defendant Elissa Larson. Larson then distributed the drug to a victim who overdosed and died within an hour; the victim was later found by a family member. After this incident, law enforcement used a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase from Billingsley on May 24, leading to his arrest on June 3 when more fentanyl was discovered in his possession.
Larson pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced on March 27 to serve 132 months’ imprisonment along with three years of supervised release.
The investigation into this case involved multiple agencies as part of the Overdose Drug Taskforce: the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nebraska State Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Omaha Police Department participated jointly.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska advances community well-being through coordinated law enforcement efforts that safeguard residents according to the official website. The office serves all regions across Nebraska and collaborates with federal, state and local agencies to enhance public safety. It operates from facilities located in federal courthouses in Omaha as well as buildings in Lincoln according to its official website, handling prosecutions for federal crimes while representing government interests in civil matters statewide.
