PHOENIX — An Arizona woman accused of selling a fatal dose of fentanyl to a man in November has been the first person charged under a new state law, authorities said.
The Mesa Police Department arrested 35-year-old Cruzita Leon in connection to Todd Gordon’s death from acute fentanyl intoxication in March.
Cruz was recently indicted for drug sales that resulted in his death, according to a Monday announcement from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO).
How did authorities identify alleged fentanyl dealer as suspect in fatal overdose?
Prosecutors said she is the first person to be arrested for violating A.R.S. § 13-3408, a state law that went into effect in November 2024.
This law made knowingly selling a drug containing fentanyl, which later leads to a person’s death, a class-two felony.
Investigators identified Gordon as the alleged fentanyl dealer who sold Gordon the drugs that led to his fatal overdose through text messages between the two, MCAO said.
Investigators also arranged multiple undercover drug deals with Leon, during which she allegedly sold fentanyl powder and pills.
What charges does alleged fentanyl dealer face after man’s 2024 death?
Leon is facing these charges:
- One count of manslaughter.
- One count of selling lethal fentanyl.
- Four counts of selling or transporting narcotic drugs.
- One count of conspiring to sell or transport narcotic drugs.
The post Suspected Arizona dealer charged in fentanyl death under new state law appeared first on KTAR.
