Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SANTA ANA, California – A federal grand jury today indicted an Orange County man who allegedly distributed fentanyl, which resulted in the overdose deaths of two people during the spring of 2023.
Michel Joseph Abdallah, 21, a.k.a. “Mike,” of Laguna Niguel, is charged in a six-count indictment with two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
Abdallah’s arraignment is expected to occur in United States District Court in Santa Ana in the coming weeks. He currently is in state custody.
According to the indictment, Abdallah distributed fentanyl to a victim – identified as “C.R.” – on March 25, 2023, in Mission Viejo. C.R. used the drug, which resulted in a fatal overdose. On May 15, 2023 in Aliso Viejo, Abdallah again distributed fentanyl – this time, to victim “L.F.,” who ingested the powerful synthetic opioid and died.
The indictment further alleges that Abdallah possessed a total of 1.3 kilograms (2.9 pounds) of fentanyl on June 10, 2023. On this date, he allegedly also possessed two firearms, including an AR-15-style pistol bearing no serial number, which commonly is referred to as a “ghost gun.”
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted of all charges, Abdallah would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the Santa Ana Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Lindhorst of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.