A man with a history of 10 felony convictions has been arrested following a 10-count federal indictment for his alleged involvement in a mass overdose incident in Palmdale. According to KTLA, the Department of Justice identified the suspect as 46-year-old Damian Michael Evans from the Antelope Valley.
The arrest, which took place on Thursday, follows a tragic event that occurred on January 15, 2024, where Evans is accused of distributing fentanyl to a residence, leading to four fatal overdoses. As noted by the Justice Department, the indictment also alleges that Evans knowingly and intentionally sought to distribute the lethal substance. Details regarding the circumstances of the drug deal and the identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Evan's criminal record, dating back to 1997, primarily includes drug-related offenses, particularly drug dealing. If convicted on all counts, which include charges for possession with intent to distribute various drugs and firearm offenses, Evans faces the potential of a mandatory minimum of 25 years in federal prison, with a possibility of life imprisonment. This information comes via announcements from the DOJ.
The case against Evans has been highlighted as part of the DEA's Overdose Justice Program and the LASD's Overdose Response Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Brittney M. Harris of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is set to prosecute the case. Evans is scheduled to appear for arraignment in the United States District Court in Los Angeles. "An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," stated Ciaran McEvoy, Public Information Officer of the Justice Department.
