Grand Island man gets 20 years in fentanyl distribution case resulting in death

Hall County Department of Corrections

OMAHA, Neb. — A Grand Island man has been sentenced in federal court in Omaha in connection to a fentanyl distribution case that resulted in a death.

Carlos Lopez Montoya, 32, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.

Investigators say the case stems from a March 5, 2024 overdose in Omaha, where the victim was found unresponsive inside a residence.

Authorities say the fentanyl pills were traced through a distribution chain that began with a supplier in California and moved through several individuals before reaching the victim.

According to officials, Lopez Montoya sold the pills to Ventura Montoya Gonsalez, who then sold them to Asia Blackburn in Omaha. Blackburn then sold the pills to Deyon Downing, who ultimately sold them to the victim.

Officials say the victim died from fentanyl and other substances.

Asia Blackburn was sentenced to 26 years and 8 months in prison. Ventura Montoya Gonsalez and Deyon Downing were each sentenced to 20 years. An arrest warrant for one co-defendant remains active.

Lopez Montoya will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s overdose task force.