An Oakland resident has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after he admitted to selling fentanyl to an undercover police officer.
Denilson Velasquez-Sevilla, aged 25, made multiple drug deals with the undercover officer, totaling 1.4 pounds of fentanyl, court records reveal.
The first sale took place in August 2023 in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Velasquez-Sevilla sold the officer about one ounce of fentanyl.
After that, the undercover officer kept in touch with him and managed to buy the drug four more times in Oakland before Velasquez-Sevilla was arrested in January.
The sentence was decided by U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar on September 20.
Prosecutors had initially requested a sentence of 41 months, while Velasquez-Sevilla’s defense team argued against any extra prison time.
The judge’s decision was a middle ground between both requests.
According to his lawyer, Assistant Federal Public Defender Joyce Leavitt, Velasquez-Sevilla was trying to earn money to support his family back in Honduras after the death of his father.
Leavitt mentioned that once Velasquez-Sevilla completes his sentence, he will be deported. She explained that Velasquez-Sevilla came to the U.S. hoping to escape poverty in Honduras.
However, he struggled to find a stable job, ended up homeless, and lived in his car for a long period.
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This situation eventually led him to commit the crime. She stated that he takes responsibility and understands that he must now face the consequences. Prosecutors, however, emphasized the seriousness of his actions.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Glimcher noted that fentanyl is a leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45, surpassing even murder rates in many cities.
Glimcher argued that although Velasquez-Sevilla might be deported, it was necessary to impose a custodial sentence as a form of punishment and to serve as a warning to others involved in similar activities. He stressed that prison time could help deter future crimes like this.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.