Federal Grand Jury Indicts Montebello Man with Causing Fentanyl Overdose that Resulted in Death

          LOS ANGELES – A Montebello resident has been charged by a federal grand jury with providing a woman a fatal dose of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

          Edwin Oliva, 28, was named Thursday in a superseding indictment with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

          Oliva has been in federal custody since his arrest in this case on March 6. He was subsequently charged in an indictment with three felonies: possession with intent to distribute more than four pounds of heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The three counts in the initial indictment are included in the four-count superseding indictment.

          According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed in the case, Oliva told law enforcement officials that the victim was an acquaintance who arrived at his residence shortly after midnight on February 28. Oliva allegedly gave the victim drugs, which resulted in a fatal overdose. Oliva admitted to law enforcement that fentanyl was the drug he gave the victim, according to court documents. A pathologist employed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner concluded the victim died as a result of the effects of fentanyl and alcohol.

          An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

          Oliva previously entered not guilty to the charges in the initial indictment. He will be arraigned early next month on the superseding indictment. United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. previously scheduled a trial date of November 5 for this case.

          If convicted of charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, Oliva would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Additionally, the heroin-related offense carries a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence and a potential sentence of life in prison.

          This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Montebello Police Department.

          This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gabe Podesta of the General Crimes Section.