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Two fentanyl dealers received federal prison sentences totaling 15 years for their involvement in a Texas teenager’s death. The dealers provided counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl to the 15-year-old victim from Carrolton.

The sentencing announcement came from U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton of the Northern District of Texas.

Nineteen-year-old Lizbeth Prieto (also known as Lizbeth Escamilla) and twenty-four-year-old Cristian Lopez faced charges through a criminal complaint in June 2023, followed by an indictment. Prieto entered a guilty plea in November 2023 for distributing controlled substances to a minor, resulting in an 84-month federal prison term. Lopez admitted guilt to conspiracy charges in July 2024, receiving a 96-month sentence.

The investigation began after family members found an unconscious teenage girl at their Carrolton residence in June 2023. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the young victim did not survive.

Law enforcement discovered ten blue pills marked “M30” containing fentanyl on the teenager’s dresser. Investigation of the victim’s phone revealed messages showing Prieto had offered to sell the pills for $100 the day before the fatal incident.

Investigators conducted an undercover operation, arranging to purchase similar pills from Prieto. When she arrived for the transaction accompanied by Lopez, both were apprehended. During questioning, Prieto confessed to selling the lethal pills to the teenager, while Lopez acknowledged his role as Prieto’s supplier in their drug distribution operation.

“Selling poison in the form of fentanyl to our youth is one of the most treacherous and evil ways to hurt our community, to all of those who still continue to traffic fentanyl pills: DEA Dallas and our law enforcement partners such as Carrollton PD will find you and hold you accountable for your selfish actions,” stated Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chavez.