A Springfield man faces serious time behind bars after being cuffed on fentanyl distribution charges. Emilio Garcia-Cappas, 27, was indicted on counts related to the conspiracy and distribution of the potent synthetic opioid, law enforcement officials said.

The accused, nabbed yesterday and taken to federal court in Springfield, was slapped with one count of conspiracy to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute the narcotic. Garcia-Cappas must now cool his heels in custody until his hearing, the date of which is pending. Between the dates of February 5 and February 22 of this year, the indictment claims that Garcia-Cappas was busying himself with a scheme to spread the narcotic around. Moreover, on February 12, officials allege he was caught red-handed distributing the deadly drug, according to the Department of Justice.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Garcia-Cappas could be staring down the barrel of a minimum of five years and could be on the hook for as many as 40 years in prison. The charge carries additional punishments: possibly four years of supervised release and fines that could skyrocket to $2 million. The distribution and possession charge is no less formidable, threatening up to 20 years of jail time, another potential three years under the watchful eye of authorities after release, and fines of up to $1 million.

Springfield's top cops, from Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers to U.S. Marshal Brian A. Kyes, along with Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, are the officials announcing the arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office has taken the prosecutorial reins on the case. However, it’s important to remember that these chilling charges are, for the moment, simply that – charges. Garcia-Cappas has not been proven guilty and maintains his presumption of innocence until the gavel comes down in a court of law.