A Chicago man was sentenced on March 20 to more than 15 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Devon Frazier, age 26, from Chicago, Illinois, received the sentence after pleading guilty on December 20, 2024, to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address drug trafficking involving dangerous substances such as methamphetamine and fentanyl. These drugs are linked to serious health risks and fatal overdoses in communities.
At the sentencing hearing, evidence showed that on February 8, 2023, Frazier distributed over 111 grams of ice methamphetamine. On February 13, he distributed what was believed to be an additional quantity of methamphetamine; however, laboratory testing later revealed this substance was actually sea salt. After this transaction, officers stopped a vehicle occupied by Frazier and arrested him. During transport to the Linn County Correctional Center, Frazier dropped a bag containing 362 pills with fentanyl onto the patrol car’s floorboard. Officers recovered these pills.
Further evidence presented at sentencing showed that on March 3, Frazier distributed a pill described as Xanax to a nineteen-year-old woman. The pill actually contained fentanyl. The woman ingested it in the early hours of March 4 and died from a fentanyl-related overdose. Following her death, Frazier threatened individuals he believed were cooperating with law enforcement.
United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams handed down the sentence in Cedar Rapids: Frazier will serve a term of imprisonment lasting one hundred ninety months followed by five years of supervised release without parole eligibility under federal guidelines.
Frazier remains in United States Marshal’s custody pending transfer to federal prison facilities. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards following investigations conducted by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Johnson County Drug Enforcement Task Force.
