MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) – Darnel Mendez, 31, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release for fentanyl distribution that led to the death of a 10-month-old infant in Boynton Beach. Mendez, along with his girlfriend Samantha Yi, 32, both from Lake Worth, pleaded guilty to federal charges following the tragic incident.
On March 31, 2022, Yi’s infant child accidentally ingested fentanyl after purchasing it from Yi. The child died five days later. Investigators found months of incriminating text messages on Yi’s phone, revealing her role in selling fentanyl to Mendez and others, including the fatal dose on March 30, 2022.
In a joint operation with the DEA, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and Boynton Beach Police, undercover agents purchased fentanyl from the couple, leading to their arrest. During the operation, authorities discovered 14 firearms at the couple’s home.
Mendez pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death, drug distribution resulting in death, and unlawful firearm possession. Yi faces a minimum sentence of 20 years and could face life in prison for her involvement.
This case highlights the deadly impact of fentanyl trafficking and the devastating consequences it has on families and communities.
