A jury today found Gregory Hevener, a 47-year-old man from Hawaiian Gardens, guilty on charges related to the fatal overdose of an 18-year-old, prosecutors announced. Hevener was convicted of one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. the U.S. Attorney's Office stated that Hevener had been in federal custody since February 2022.
The conviction stems from a November 2020 incident where the victim, seeking to buy heroin, responded to an online advertisement on OfferUp. Unbeknownst to the victim, the substance provided by Hevener contained the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl and tramadol, a pain reliever. The victim later ingested the drug at home and sadly suffered a fatal overdose. The ad which the victim had responded to deceptively marketed the drugs as “BLACK TAR ROOFING MATERIALS!!” in coded language, according to evidence presented at the seven-day trial.
Further investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the El Monte Police Department, led to searches outside of Hevener’s residence where they discovered plastic bags and burnt tinfoil with residues of fentanyl and tramadol. A subsequent search yielded more direct evidence with approximately 245 grams of what appeared to be black tar heroin, a digital scale, and additional fentanyl. United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi has scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 16, where Hevener will face a mandatory minimum of 20 years and could potentially receive a life sentence in federal prison.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kellye Ng, Maria Jhai, and Kyle W. Kahan are prosecuting the case, emphasizing the deadly risks associated with fentanyl, which has been a key driver in the ongoing opioid crisis. The sentencing hearing is expected to formally conclude the legal proceedings against Hevener, who, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, has remained in custody ahead of the verdict.
For anyone seeking information or updates on this case, contact information has been provided by Ciaran McEvoy, Public Information Officer, at [email protected] or (213) 894-4465. The conviction serves as a chilling reminder of the gravity of distributing such potent substances and the tragic toll they can exact on communities.
