Federal Jury Convicts Brandon Man Of Trafficking Fentanyl Resulting In Death

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Christopher A. Defilippis (43, Brandon) guilty of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Due to his prior felony drug convictions, Defilippis faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 8, 2021. 

Defilippis had been indicted on November 17, 2020.

According to evidence presented at trial, between March and April 2020, Defilippis distributed heroin in Hillsborough County. On April 17, 2020, Defilippis distributed fentanyl, which caused a fatal overdose. Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office immediately began surveillance on Defilippis and, on April 18, 2020, observed him distributing narcotics throughout Hillsborough County.  Law enforcement officers arrested Defilippis and found him to be in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and packaging consistent with distribution. 

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined that the use of the fentanyl had caused the victim’s death. Lab analysis also determined that the fentanyl mixtures found near the victim were all very similar to the narcotics seized from Defilippis.

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.