MD Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Fentanyl That Killed Girl

MONTGOMERY CO., MD — Kelvin Reyes, a 27-year-old man from Gaithersburg, pleaded guilty Monday to selling fentanyl that led to a 15-year-old girl's death.

Reyes was charged with the distribution of a controlled substance, an offense that carries a maximum of 20 years in prison.

However, Reyes could be sentenced to between 12 and 17 years in prison if the court accepts the plea, according to the Department of Justice.

The offense dates back to Jan. 13, when the teenager contacted Reyes through Instagram about buying fentanyl. The two met the morning of Jan. 14 at an elementary school near the girl's home.

A DOJ release states that Reyes later posted an Instagram story announcing that he was driving around and selling fentanyl. The post was published shortly after he'd already sold the drugs to the girl.

That same day, around 7 a.m., the teen was found by her mother lying in a fetal position with fluid coming out of her nose and mouth. A burnt piece of aluminum foil and fentanyl residue were found nearby, the release said.

An autopsy confirmed the girl died from fentanyl intoxication.

“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,” U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes said in a statement. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding those accountable who endanger our children and neighborhoods by dealing poison in our communities.”

Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17.