Hawaiian Gardens man sentenced to 25 years for selling fentanyl drugs that caused fatal overdose

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LOS ANGELES – A 47-year-old Hawaiian Gardens man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl-laced drugs that caused the fatal overdose of an 18-year-old in 2020, federal authorities announced.

Gregory Hevener was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, who also ordered him to pay $45,100 in restitution. Hevener, convicted in June 2023 after a seven-day trial, faced charges of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute heroin. He has been in custody since his arrest in February 2022.

Prosecutors said the victim, an 18-year-old, unknowingly purchased fentanyl after responding to an OfferUp ad placed by Hevener in November 2020. The ad used coded language, advertising “black tar roofing materials” instead. of black tar heroin. The two met at Hawaiian Gardens, where Hevener sold the victim a black tar-like substance containing fentanyl and tramadol, a synthetic opioid. The victim ingested the substance after returning home and suffered a fatal overdose.

Investigators discovered additional evidence of Hevener’s drug trafficking activities through searches conducted at his residence in 2021. Authorities seized large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia, as well as OfferUp account records revealing his use. of the platform to advertise and sell drugs.

“While no sentence can repair the loss suffered by the victim’s family, today’s sentencing demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who distribute lethal synthetic drugs,” U.S. Attorney Martín Estrada said in a statement.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the El Monte Police Department, and prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office handled the trial.