A 24-year-old Fresno man received a five-year prison sentence in federal court on Tuesday for conspiring to distribute hundreds of fentanyl pills.

Jonathon Cortez came under law enforcement’s microscope while federal and local authorities were investigating one of his associates, according to court documents.

On Aug. 24, 2020, officers searched the associate’s car, person, and residence and found hundreds of fentanyl pills made to look like oxycodone pills. The pill had an “M” stamped on one side and a “30” on the other. Further investigation revealed that Cortez was supplying the fentanyl pills, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

On Dec. 14, 2021, Cortez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team, which is a multi-agency team composed of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fresno Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.