Dallas man sentenced to 24 years for selling fentanyl that killed 17-year-old
DALLAS, TX – A Dallas man who sold fentanyl pills that caused the death of a 17-year-old boy has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas announced.
Jesse “Plug” Medina, 42, pleaded guilty in March to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. On Monday, U.S. District Judge David Godbey sentenced him to 292 months behind bars.
According to court documents, on January 30, 2024, Medina sold four fentanyl pills for $40 to co-defendant Connor Miller and the teen victim during a meeting on Harry Hines Boulevard. After returning to Miller’s residence, the pair crushed and used the pills. The 17-year-old overdosed and died. Medical records confirmed the death would not have occurred without the fentanyl.
Medina was arrested the following day with 25 fentanyl pills in his possession. Prosecutors presented evidence that he later told an associate he felt no sympathy for the victim, claiming the teen “was old enough to know how dangerous these pills are.”
Court records also showed Medina’s extensive history of drug-related convictions, including prison time and probation violations spanning more than a decade.
Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson said the case demonstrates the government’s commitment to pursuing maximum penalties for fentanyl-related deaths, calling Medina’s attitude “cavalier” and “a complete disregard for human life.”
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker added that while the sentence cannot undo the family’s loss, it “affirms that justice prevails and drug dealers will be held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Co-defendants Connor Miller and Tecose Dchaz Martin have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
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Key Points
- Jesse Medina, 42, was sentenced to 292 months for distributing fentanyl that killed a 17-year-old
- He sold four fentanyl pills for $40; the teen overdosed and died after using them
- Medina’s sentencing follows years of prior drug convictions; two co-defendants are awaiting sentencing