Press Release
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Fentanyl that Resulted in Death of Tuscaloosa Man
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A St. Francis, Minnesota, man was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment Tuesday for his role in an international drug trafficking ring that resulted in the death of a man, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector-in-Charge Mona Hernandez, Houston Division.
Christopher Louis Bass, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler for distributing fentanyl, after previously pleading guilty and admitting that Dr. Louis Burgio’s death resulted from Bass’s criminal activity. Dr. Burgio was a psychology professor at the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan. In 2004, the University of Alabama Board of Trustees recognized Dr. Burgio as the University’s Distinguished Research Professor for his work in the Applied Gerontology Program, the highest honor bestowed upon a faculty member at the University.
“This case reminds us all too clearly that drug distribution is not a victimless crime,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “My office will continue to prosecute those who place these poisons into families and communities throughout north Alabama.”
“Combatting illicit drugs in the mail is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Mona Hernandez, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “The overdose death in this case is a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and why the Postal Inspection Service remains committed to eradicating these illicit substances from the U.S. Mail and consequently safeguarding our community. Christopher Louis Bass’ 240-month sentence should serve as a warning to those who intend to engage in this type of criminal activity. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will never tolerate the misuse of the U.S. Mail to distribute fentanyl to our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service – Birmingham, United States Postal Inspection Service – Twin Cities, the East Central Drug Task Force, and the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Alan S. Kirk prosecuted the case.
Updated December 19, 2024
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