A man from Hawaiian Gardens, California, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after he sold fentanyl disguised as black tar heroin, leading to a fatal overdose. Gregory Hevener, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi on Monday. He was also ordered to pay $45,100 in restitution to the victim’s family.
In November 2020, Hevener, who had been advertising drugs on the online marketplace OfferUp, sold what he claimed to be black tar heroin to an 18-year-old victim in Long Beach. The substance, however, contained fentanyl and tramadol. After consuming the drugs, the victim suffered a fatal overdose.
Following the victim’s death, law enforcement traced Hevener’s drug trafficking operations through several online accounts he used to sell drugs. A series of searches on his residence led to the discovery of black tar heroin, fentanyl, and other drug paraphernalia.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada remarked, “While no amount of prison time will restore what was lost to the victim’s family, this sentence aims to bring some closure and prevent further harm to the community.” The case highlights the increasing dangers of fentanyl being sold as other substances, leading to tragic consequences.