He sold fentanyl-laced drugs to a dealer which led to one person’s death.
Greenbelt, Md (KM) A Gaithersburg man pleaded guilty on Thursday to conspiracy to distribute fentanly, possession of acetyl fentanyl and cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says Leandro Acevedo Lozada, 38, distributed the drugs to street dealers and addicts last year..
Federal prosecutors say according to the plea agreement, Lozada admitted he conspired to distribute acetyl fentanyl and cocaine between January and February, 2017.
A co-defendant, Bradley Seabolt, 19, of Gaithersburg, sold some of these drugs to a Montgomery County resident on January 11th, 2017, who later died from ingesting the drugs.. The State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the victim succumbed as a result of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and cocaine intoxication. Seabolt obtained the drugs from Lozada, federal officials say.
Seabolt pleaded guilty on December 19th, 2017 to conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances. He is awaiting sentencing.
Police served search warrants on Lozada’s homes in Damascus and Gaithersburg on February 17th, 2017. At Lozada’s Damascus residence. officers and confiscated 147 grams of a substance containing both acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, 23 grams of cocaine, a bag of powdered sugar used to cut the opioids, $4,452 in cash and a digital scale.
At his Gaithersburg residence, officer found a handgun belonging to Lozada. Because Lozada is a convicted felon, authorities say he was not allowed to possess a firearm.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 12th, 2018. Federal prosecutors say if the court accepts the plea deal, Lozada could receive at least ten years in prison, but no more than 20-years incarceration.
By Kevin McManus