United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas
07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 13:39
El Paso Man to Spend 15 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Deadly Fentanyl
Press Release
El Paso Man to Spend 15 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Deadly Fentanyl
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas
EL PASO, Texas - An El Paso man was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl, causing death.
According to court documents, Michael Joseph Cuccaro, 22, sold counterfeit M-30 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to a purchaser on Dec. 11, 2022. The purchaser consumed the pills and died from fentanyl poisoning.
A federal grand jury in El Paso indicted Cuccaro Sept. 6, 2023, in a two-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance causing death or serious bodily injury. Cuccaro was subsequently arrested on a bench warrant. He pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance causing death on April 24, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Countryman prosecuted the case.
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Updated July 17, 2024
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Opioids