Three-time convicted felon sentenced to federal prison for selling deadly “tranq dope” that killed one and seriously injured another

ATLANTA - Masi Lenard Fears has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, which resulted in the death of one customer and serious injury to another, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

"This case is a powerful reminder that fentanyl can be mixed into any substance and even a small amount can kill you," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Fears' hand-to-hand drug transaction took a life, and the hefty sentence in this case should serve as a warning that even street-level deals can have deadly consequences that result in prison time."

"Selling lethal drugs disguised as something less dangerous is not just criminal, it's deadly," said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. "This repeat offender knowingly distributed a toxic combination of fentanyl and xylazine, resulting in one death and another life forever changed. This sentence reflects the devastating impact of that deception and our unwavering commitment to justice."

"We commend our federal partners for taking decisive action in prosecuting Fears and removing him from our community. This case sends a strong message to criminals who engage in drug trafficking and illegally possess firearms: we will not stand by while you commit crimes in our city. With unwavering support from the federal government, we are fully committed to eradicating this criminal behavior," said Chief R. Scott Freeman, Conyers Police Department.

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In March 2021, Masi Fears sold two men a powdery substance for $20 at a gas station in Conyers, Georgia. The men believed they were buying cocaine or heroin, but the powder was actually a deadly combination of fentanyl and xylazine (commonly referred to as "tranq"). The men used some of Fears' fentanyl/xylazine powder, which quickly killed one of them and caused serious injury to the other.

The Conyers Police Department (CPD) investigated the incident and identified Fears as the dealer of the narcotics. Several months later, CPD officers located and arrested Fears, a three-time convicted felon, who was in possession of a loaded handgun and a small amount of drugs.

Masi Lenard Fears, 39, of Conyers, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to 14 years, one month, and 15 days in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Restitution in this case will be determined on a later date. Fears pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on January 6, 2026.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Conyers Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Forsyth, III prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: https://www.justthinktwice.gov.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.