Jamar Deontae Barnes, 42, of Stockton, California, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl-laced pills and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine-laced pills, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
Barnes admitted to collaborating with his twin brother and other associates between September 2015 and May 2019 to produce and sell thousands of counterfeit prescription pills. These pills, which resembled legitimate medications, contained dangerous substances including fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, heroin, and other synthetic opioids. Additionally, pills designed to look like Ecstasy were also produced, but they were laced with methamphetamine.
In May 2019, law enforcement conducted a search of Barnes’ Stockton residence, where they found a pill press, powders, and pills laced with methamphetamine and furanyl fentanyl.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also confirmed that nine other individuals involved in the operation have pleaded guilty, including Barnes’ twin brother, Jamaine Dontae Barnes, who is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2025. Other defendants are awaiting sentencing dates or have already been sentenced.
Jamar Barnes is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on March 3, 2025, where he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. This case highlights the dangers posed by illicit drug manufacturing operations and the authorities’ ongoing efforts to dismantle them.
