A San Diego man who sold fentanyl pills to an 18-year-old Poway man who later died of an overdose was sentenced Friday to 12 years and seven months in federal prison.
José Daniel Ramirez pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to selling pills to the victim on January 3, 2023, leading to her fatal overdose hours after the sale.
Prosecutors, who sought a 14-year prison sentence, wrote in sentencing documents that Ramirez, then 21, continued to sell fentanyl after learning of the victim’s death. Those sales continued until his arrest more than a month later, according to prosecutors.
After his arrest, investigators searched his home and found 2,600 fentanyl pills, the prosecution’s sentencing memorandum states.
Ramirez’s defense attorney, Jami Ferrara, wrote in her sentencing documents that Ramirez considered the victim a friend.
Ferrara wrote that Ramirez developed a drug addiction at a young age due to traumatic circumstances, then began selling drugs because he “believed it was his job” to provide for his family financially and that he had done it with the proceeds of his drug sales.
Prosecutors said Ramirez changed his phone number following the fatal overdose and continued selling drugs “without remorse or concern,” while Ferrara wrote that his client “panicked” after learning the death and said his subsequent conduct was indicative of his young age. and immaturity.
Ferrara wrote that contrary to the prosecution’s claims, Ramirez “feels remorse to the depths of his being.”
In a letter to the sentencing judge, Ramirez wrote: “I am truly sorry that this happens every day. I am very hurt. It’s hard to think that I could have done this to my friend. I’m sorry for the damage I caused.
California Daily Newspapers
