Collin County Fentanyl dealer sentenced to 30 years in prison for role in overdose death

A Collin County businessman involved in a fatal overdose received a 30-year prison sentence following a recent court ruling. The court sentenced Denzel Johnson, a 30-year-old man from Allen, Texas, to 30 years in prison for possession with intent to deliver an amount of fentanyl weighing between 4 and 200 grams. The conviction stems from an incident at a gas station on December 11, 2022, when the McKinney Police Department found Johnson attempting to drive away while under the influence, in possession of a firearm, a large amount of cash and pills later identified as fentanyl. .

Johnson's three arrests for fentanyl-related crimes in 2022 came to light during the sentencing phase of the trial. In October 2022, he faced charges of supplying drugs, which led to the overdose death of a 27-year-old man. Johnson's phone records revealed he had been selling illegal fentanyl throughout North Texas for more than a year. According to the Collin County District Attorney's Office, Johnson received a 30-year prison sentence based on the facts presented to the jury.

According to Collin County District Attorney's OfficeDistrict Attorney Greg Willis stated unequivocally that fentanyl traffickers are killing. Johnson did just that in October 2022, and despite the consequences, he refused to stop. Fortunately, law enforcement intervened and likely saved another life by arresting him again in December. “My office will continue to advocate for stiff prison sentences for anyone who sells fentanyl.” This sentiment underscores the serious concern over the fentanyl issue and the push to confront it with harsh sanctions for offenders.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ashlyn Scott was among the prosecutors who argued for the lengthy sentence, highlighting the dangers and consequences of distributing fentanyl. The investigation revealed not only Johnson's ongoing criminal activity, but also a frightening epidemic, with fentanyl becoming an increasingly regular contributor to overdose cases. As local authorities continue to battle this growing problem, the Johnson case serves as a warning and a testament to law enforcement and the judiciary's sincere efforts to address this crucial public safety issue.

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