Omaha Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Distribution of Fentanyl Causing Death

United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Paul "Tony" Billingsley, 66, of Omaha, was sentenced on April 17, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and distribution of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Billingsley to 264 months' imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and 60 months' imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Billingsley's release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.

Evidence at Billingsley's January trial revealed that on May 6, 2024, Billingsley sold fentanyl to co-defendant Elissa Larson. Within the hour, Larson distributed the fentanyl to a victim who overdosed and died. A family member later found the victim. Following the victim's overdose death, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Billingsley on May 24, 2024. Law enforcement arrested Billingsley on June 3, 2024, and located more fentanyl in Billingsley's possession.

Co-defendant Larson has pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced on March 27, 2026, to 132 months' imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Overdose Drug Taskforce comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nebraska State Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and the Omaha Police Department.