Masi Lenard Fears was sentenced on Apr. 21 to over 14 years in federal prison for distributing a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine that resulted in one death and serious injury to another person, as well as possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
The case highlights the dangers posed by fentanyl-laced substances and the consequences for those who distribute them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that even small quantities of such drugs can be fatal, underlining ongoing efforts to address drug-related crimes in the region.
“This case is a powerful reminder that fentanyl can be mixed into any substance and even a small amount can kill you,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Fears’ hand-to-hand drug transaction took a life, and the hefty sentence in this case should serve as a warning that even street-level deals can have deadly consequences that result in prison time.”
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta Field Division, said, “Selling lethal drugs disguised as something less dangerous is not just criminal, it’s deadly… This repeat offender knowingly distributed a toxic combination of fentanyl and xylazine, resulting in one death and another life forever changed. This sentence reflects the devastating impact of that deception and our unwavering commitment to justice.” Chief R. Scott Freeman of the Conyers Police Department also commented: “We commend our federal partners for taking decisive action in prosecuting Fears and removing him from our community… With unwavering support from the federal government, we are fully committed to eradicating this criminal behavior.”
According to court information presented by Hertzberg, Fears sold what two men believed was cocaine or heroin at a gas station in Conyers, Georgia; however, it contained both fentanyl and xylazine—a combination sometimes called “tranq.” One man died after using it while another suffered serious injuries.
The investigation was conducted by local police working with federal authorities including Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Forsyth III who prosecuted the case. The sentencing judge ordered more than fourteen years’ imprisonment followed by supervised release; restitution will be determined later.
Hertzberg serves as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to official sources. The office prioritizes prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking and civil rights violations according to its website, enforces federal criminal laws while collaborating with law enforcement agencies as reported online, covers an area serving about 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs according to official information, coordinates cases with national or international dimensions per its site, and acts as principal federal law enforcement agency within its district as stated online.
This prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aiming at eliminating cartels and transnational crime organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
