Delano Drug Suppliers Indicted for Methamphetamine, Fentanyl Distribution

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Jesus Manuel Morfin Villa, 27, of Delano, charging him with distribution of methamphetamine and distribution of fentanyl, charging Omar Vayas Duran, 41, of Delano, with distribution of fentanyl, and charging both Villa and Duran with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents over the course of 11 months, Villa distributed methamphetamine on one occasion, distributed fentanyl with Duran on another occasion, and distributed both methamphetamine and fentanyl on yet another occasion.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jean Berger is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Villa and Duran face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.