Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

LAS VEGAS - James Brooks was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 10 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and for possession of a semi-automatic handgun during a drug sale. The government recommended a sentence of 10 years in prison.

"Fentanyl is tearing apart families and poisoning our communities at an alarming rate," said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "This sentence sends a clear and unwavering message to drug traffickers: if you flood our streets with lethal chemicals for profit, you will be caught, and you will face severe consequences in federal prison. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these deadly networks and protect the people of Las Vegas."

"Every drug trafficker operates with a single, ruthless purpose-profiting from human suffering," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. "Alongside our partners, the FBI will continue dismantling their networks, erase their poison from our streets, and ensure every single participant faces justice behind bars."

According to court documents, from October 28, 2023, to January 21, 2024, Brooks, also known as "Grizz," conspired with co-defendant Geronimo Gutierrez to distribute pills containing fentanyl. During a drug transaction, Brooks possessed a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity magazine and paid cash to an individual for approximately 2,000 pills.

Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance. Illicit fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just two milligrams, about the size of a few grains of salt, can be lethal.

Brooks pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Gutierrez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to money launder. On January 12, 2026, Gutierrez was sentenced to 97 months in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.

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