Mabelvale Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death

LITTLE ROCK-Johnny Lee Underwood will spend the next 240 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

On August 1, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment charging Underwood, 27, of Mabelvale, with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and one count of distribution of fentanyl. On February 4, 2026, Underwood pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Judge Miller also sentenced Underwood to three years' supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On June 30, 2023, officers from the Little Rock Police Department responded to an emergency call regarding a suspected overdose. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed paramedics attempt to revive the victim, but their efforts were unsuccessful. During their investigation, officers learned the victim ingested a blue pill that contained fentanyl earlier in the day. Officers located the victim's wallet, and recovered a small, blue pill stamped with "M/30" and appeared similar to the brand-name pharmaceutical-grade oxycodone.

Additional investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that Underwood sold approximately four counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to the victim and the victim's girlfriend. Within hours of purchasing the pills from Underwood, the victim ingested a portion of a pill, overdosed, and died. An autopsy conducted by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory determined the victim's cause of death as fentanyl toxicity.

"Sadly, here is yet another proof that "One pill can kill". Fentanyl and additional emerging synthetic opioids are deadly poisons being sent into our country from other nations who want to kill as many Americans as possible. These toxic drugs are harmful to our citizens, and especially so for those who are struggling with addiction," said Ross. "But an addiction should not equate to death; and for those like Underwood who knowingly sell fentanyl and someone dies as a result, our office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold you accountable."

"Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities across Arkansas, and those responsible for spreading this poison will be held accountable," said Jason Van Goor, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Little Rock Field Office. "The FBI, alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue working tirelessly to remove dangerous drugs from our streets and pursue individuals who profit from putting lives at risk."

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields.

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