A Silver Spring man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that led to the death of a Bethesda minor in January 2022. U.S. District Court Judge Deborah L. Boardman handed down the sentence to Mikiyas Kefyalew, 27, who will also serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.
The sentencing was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Acting Special Agent in Charge Shane Todd of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, Chief Marc R. Yamada of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and Chief Jason West of the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD).
“This case is a heartbreaking example of the horrific impact fentanyl is having on our communities, especially our youth,” Hayes said. “Unfortunately, no sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by this young victim’s family who will live with the consequences of this defendant’s ruthless actions for the rest of their lives. Our office and law enforcement partners remain firmly committed to seeking justice for victims of the fentanyl crisis and doing everything in our power to hold fentanyl dealers accountable.”
“Illegal drugs kill people. Fentanyl kills people,” Todd said. “Criminals like Mr. Kefyalew destroy lots of families by selling deadly illicit drugs, many of which are laced with fentanyl. What’s even more concerning is that they prey on vulnerable individuals by misleading them into believing they are consuming something different. This sentence reflects our dedication to investigating and holding accountable those criminals responsible for perpetuating opioid addiction and fatal poisonings in our community. Our job is to ultimately protect the lives of our residents.”
Court documents state that Kefyalew knowingly distributed pills containing fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl to a minor referred to as Victim 1, resulting in that individual’s death. The pills were described as circular and blue with an “M 30” imprint, mimicking legitimate oxycodone hydrochloride tablets.
Because Kefyalew misrepresented fentanyl as another substance and distributed it to a vulnerable victim, he received an enhanced sentence. In addition to imprisonment, Judge Boardman ordered him to forfeit proceeds from drug sales and pay restitution.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including DEA, MCPD, RCPD, Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Joel Crespo prosecuted the case.
More information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
