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3 people sentenced in connection with fentanyl distribution that led to 18-year-old's death

The three individuals were sentenced to 20 years, 11 years and three months and nine years in prison, respectively.

AUSTIN, Texas — A man and two women have been sentenced for distributing fentanyl-laced pills to a Coupland 18-year-old who died.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said 46-year-old David Lee Jr. of Austin, 43-year-old Virginia Zepeda of Austin and 37-year-old Jackie Lynne Chester of Taylor were identified as suppliers of counterfeit oxycodone pills and other counterfeit prescription pills in the investigation of the overdose death of an 18-year-old from Coupland.

According to court documents, video surveillance footage showed the victim approaching Lee's vehicle at a gas station, then engaging in a hand-to-hand exchange with Chester through the vehicle's window. Four and a half counterfeit oxycodone tablets were found in the victim's home after his death.

"These drug dealers knowingly sold several counterfeit pills, each containing incredibly lethal doses of fentanyl, to an unsuspecting victim, tragically leading to the poisoning and death of an 18-year-old," said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. "This is another case in which a young victim leaves behind their loving family and friends, while the criminals themselves walked away with the intent to cause more harm."

The DOJ said as part of the investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents conducted controlled buys with Lee and Zepeda, indicating the pair were actively distributing fentanyl in the form of counterfeit oxycodone after the victim's death.

Lee was sentenced to 20 years in prison, Zepeda was sentenced to 11 years and three months and Chester was sentenced to nine years.

The DEA, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.

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