Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution Linked to 2019 Overdose Tragedy
Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Distribution
An Oregon man has been sentenced to federal prison for distributing fentanyl, which tragically led to the fatal overdose of a Beaverton man in 2019. The suspect, Billy Ray Trueblood II, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release.
Fentanyl Overdose Fatality
In March 2019, Alex Reser, a 30-year-old accountant, succumbed to a fatal overdose after consuming fentanyl. His roommates found him unresponsive, and the autopsy later confirmed he died from an acute fentanyl overdose.
Root Cause: Prescription Painkillers
Authorities revealed that Reser had developed an opioid addiction due to his use of prescription painkillers in college to manage athletic injuries.
Lethal Purchase and Usage
Investigators discovered that Reser had been purchasing drugs from Trueblood dating back to college. Prior to his passing, Reser had texted Trueblood to buy “blues,” counterfeit Oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl.
Trailblazers Game Revelation
Two months following Reser’s overdose, an investigator spotted Trueblood at a Portland Trailblazers basketball game on TV. The suspect was subsequently located and arrested by police officers at the game.
Legal Consequences and Confessions
Trueblood was indicted for distributing fentanyl, distributing fentanyl resulting in death, and possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and admitted to selling Reser approximately 700 counterfeit oxycodone pills between May 2018 and January 2019.
Heart-Wrenching Reflections
During the court proceedings, Reser’s family and loved ones expressed their anguish and loss. They emphasized the irreplaceable void left by his untimely death and implored the judge not to show leniency towards Trueblood.
Apology and Accountability
In court, Trueblood apologized to the Reser family and acknowledged his culpability in the tragedy. He expressed remorse for his actions, attributing them to his own struggles with addiction.