California Man Admits He Mailed Fentanyl Pills to Pennsylvania

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of California, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Victor Daniel Gutierrez, 48, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between May 28, 2020 and June 8, 2020, Gutierrez conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. The charge is based on an intercepted United States Mail parcel that Gutierrez shipped to Pennsylvania from California containing approximately 340 grams of fentanyl pills. As part of the plea, Gutierrez also acknowledged his responsibility for attempting to possess with intent to distribute 2.125 kilograms of cocaine and 1.535 kilograms of heroin in and around September of 2019.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gutierrez.