Carrollton, TX - Lizbeth Prieto, 19, also known as Lizbeth Escamilla, and Cristian Lopez, 24, have each been sentenced for their roles in supplying fentanyl pills that resulted in the tragic overdose of a 15-year-old Carrollton girl. The sentencing, announced by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, reflects the serious consequences of drug trafficking in communities.
Carrollton, TX - Lizbeth Prieto, 19, also known as Lizbeth Escamilla, and Cristian Lopez, 24, have each been sentenced for their roles in supplying fentanyl pills that resulted in the tragic overdose of a 15-year-old Carrollton girl. The sentencing, announced by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, reflects the serious consequences of drug trafficking in communities.
Prieto pleaded guilty in November 2023 to distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 21, resulting in her receiving an 84-month sentence in April 2024. Lopez, who was indicted in June 2023, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in July 2024 and was sentenced to 96 months in prison on Monday.
U.S. Attorney Simonton condemned the impact of fentanyl on families and communities, stating, “Fentanyl rips through communities and decimates families. With so many traffickers wantonly pushing these pills, all of our teenagers are vulnerable.” She emphasized her commitment to preventing further tragedies through initiatives like the Protect Our Children Project, aimed at utilizing law enforcement resources to safeguard schools from drug-related incidents.
Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division, echoed the call for accountability among drug traffickers, stating, “Selling poison in the form of fentanyl to our youth is one of the most treacherous and evil ways to hurt our community. DEA Dallas and our law enforcement partners will find you and hold you accountable for your selfish actions.”
Court documents revealed that Lopez provided the fentanyl pills to Prieto, who then sold them to the victim, identified in court documents only as “J.G.,” a student at Newman Smith High School. Family members discovered J.G. unresponsive on June 13 and called 911. Tragically, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.
Investigators found ten counterfeit Percocet pills in her bedroom, which tested positive for fentanyl. Communications between Prieto and J.G. on Instagram indicated that Prieto had arranged to sell 13 fentanyl pills for $100, confirming payment and delivery details shortly before the overdose.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division along with the Carrollton Police Department, with the case prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phelesa Guy and Rick Calvert.
Note: Illegally produced fentanyl-laced pills often mimic legitimate prescription medications, posing a significantly higher risk of overdose. On the street, these pills may be referred to as “M30s,” “blues,” “perks,” and other names. Research indicates that half of these pills may contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
Help keep our community safe by being informed and reporting incidents of dangerous drugs to Forney PD.
