NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - California, Southern), published as received.

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 12, 2024

SAN DIEGO – Marcus Ray Chavez of Bonita pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he provided fentanyl pills to a 15-year-old girl in exchange for sex, and that the fentanyl ultimately resulted in her death.

On at least four occasions between September and November 2022, Chavez provided the girl with two “M30” pills he knew were counterfeit pharmaceutical pills that contained fentanyl. Chavez also admitted to knowing the girl was underage. On November 12, 2022, the girl fatally overdosed from pills that Chavez provided.

As a result of his guilty plea, Chavez will be sentenced to no less than 20 years in custody, the statutory mandatory-minimum penalty for distributing fentanyl resulting in death.

“This heartbreaking case brings home the devastation caused by fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “For his role as the dealer in this tragedy, the defendant will spend at least the next 20 years of his life in prison.

“Fentanyl continues to devastate lives and families across the country,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “The defendant preyed upon this young girl and stole her life. The DEA and its partners continue to vigorously pursue those who deal fentanyl and bring them to justice.”

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of those impacted by this case,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. “Justice has been served for this young victim, whose life was cut tragically short. SDPD will continue to pursue every available avenue to hold fentanyl dealers accountable for these kinds of crimes.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Owen Roth and Katherine E.A. McGrath.

Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation, with support from the San Diego Police Department. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Diego Police Department, the La Mesa Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23cr1354-JES                            

Marcus Ray Chavez                                       Age: 30                                   Bonita, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Sex Trafficking of a Minor – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1591(a)(1), (b)(2)

Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, maximum life in prison and $250,000 fine

Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a), 841(b)(1)(C)

Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum 20 years in prison, maximum life in prison and $1 million fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10)

San Diego Police Department

San Diego County District Attorney’s Office

Homeland Security Investigations

La Mesa Police Department

National Guard Counterdrug Task Force

California Department of Health Care Services