DALLAS — Federal authorities say the "top source" for a string of deadly fentanyl overdoses in Carrollton has pleaded guilty to drug charges.
Julio Gonzales Jr., 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Dallas.
He was tied to a series of 14 teen overdoses in Carrollton and Flower Mound that has resulted in four deaths, officials said.
The release said Gonzales, according to his plea papers, admitted to receiving and selling around 120,000 counterfeit "M30" pills that contained fentanyl. He sold the pills to multiple customers, including at least one juvenile, authorities said.
Gonzales would sell the pills in "K Packs," which contained 1,000 pills each, according to the release. In February, a 16-year-old pill dealer identified Gonzales, known as "J-Money," as his supplier.
The 16-year-old dealer had delivered fentanyl to a 14-year-old girl who died of an overdose in December.
The 16-year-old dealer also discussed Gonzales with another suspect, calling Gonzales their "plug," which is known as the source for a supply of drugs, the release said.
Investigators searched a home that Gonzales used to store the drugs and found thousands of fentanyl-laced pills in a microwave. They also found "a partial kilogram of cocaine" in a food container, cash in a closet and guns "littered throughout the home," the release said.
“These arrests demonstrate the continued resolve of DEA Dallas to investigate this organization to the fullest extent possible,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez said in a statement in July. “Local street dealers, transporters, bulk suppliers, and anyone in between should know DEA Dallas is still committed to holding everyone in this organization, and others like it, accountable for selling fentanyl to our communities.”
Gonzales was the eighth suspect to plead guilty in the aftermath of the Carrollton overdoses. Gonzales faces up to 40 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been announced.
More coverage from WFAA of the Carrollton overdoses:
