Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution Charges in Connection With Death of Teenage Girl

Greenbelt, Maryland - A Gaithersburg, Maryland, man pled guilty in federal court today, to a drug-trafficking offense that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl.

Kelvin Reyes, 27, is charged with distribution of controlled substances after selling narcotics to the victim who contacted him on a social media platform.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Washington Division, and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).

According to the guilty plea, on January 14, 2023, Reyes distributed fentanyl to the teenaged victim. The victim later used the substance and subsequently died.

"As a result of Reyes's callous actions and disregard for human life, a 15-year-old girl is dead. Now, he will have to pay the hefty price that he deserves," Hayes said. "The U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to holding those accountable who endanger our children and neighborhoods by dealing poison in our communities."

"We are dedicated to protecting our community, especially our most vulnerable, from the harmful effects of drug trafficking," Goumenis said. "Individuals like Kelvin Reyes who disregard the sanctity of our schools and prey on our children must be held accountable. We are utilizing every resource to ensure justice is served and to prevent further tragedies. Together, we can create a safer America for our children to thrive."

Evidence shows that late in the evening of January 13, the victim contacted Reyes on Instagram about purchasing fentanyl. Reyes agreed to sell fentanyl to the victim, so he requested an address for delivery. The victim then instructed Reyes to meet her at an elementary school near her residence in Montgomery County.

The investigation revealed that Reyes's phone was located at the school where he agreed to meet the victim in the early morning hours of January 14. Ring camera footage from the victim's residence also confirms she left her residence around the same timeframe and returned home approximately three minutes later. Reyes then posted an Instagram story advertising he was driving around in his car selling fentanyl after he met the victim.

The victim's mother reported that around 7 a.m., she found her daughter in her room in a fetal position with fluid coming out of her mouth and nose area. She also saw a burnt piece of aluminum foil with fentanyl residue next to the victim. An autopsy later revealed that the victim's cause of death was fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl intoxication.

On January 24, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Reyes's residence where they found a digital scale; clear plastic bags; a plastic zip-top bag, containing $5.13 in U.S. coins; and numerous orange zip-top bags, foil, and straws with residue.

Reyes faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for distribution of controlled substances. If the court accepts the plea, the court agrees to sentence Reyes to no less than 12, but no more than 17 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman set sentencing for Thursday, September 17, at 10 a.m.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and MCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Sarma who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

# # #