Austin Man Sentenced for Role in Online Drug Conspiracy

Covington, Ky. - An Austin, Texas man, Felix Samuel Flores-Novas, 31, was sentenced on Thursday, November 5, by U.S. District Judge Chad Meredith to 13 years in prison for Unlawful Distribution of a Counterfeit Drug and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

According to his plea agreement, from at least October 1, 2024, until November 5, 2025, Flores conspired with others to operate an online drug trafficking organization (DTO) that sold and distributed a variety of Schedule I, II, and IV drugs. For his part, Flores sourced, packaged, and shipped parcels containing narcotics and controlled substances, primarily methamphetamine but also counterfeit oxycodone, Adderall, and alprazolam pills. He shipped the parcels to customers located across the country, including in the Eastern District of Kentucky. According to sentencing documents, this DTO shipped over 3,000 parcels from the Austin, Texas area, where Flores was the principal shipper.

"This prosecution demonstrates the Department of Justice's unwavering commitment to disrupting drug trafficking organizations, wherever they are based, and protecting all communities within their reach from the dangers of illegal and counterfeit narcotics," stated Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

"Whether you're selling illegal drugs on the internet or on the street corner, law enforcement is going to find you and hold you accountable for your actions," stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. "I commend the work of the Southern Ohio Digital Organized Crime Group and the partners involved in this significant investigation."

"This sentencing demonstrates there is no safe haven for those who profit from distributing illegal drugs. Whether traffickers operate on street corners or through online platforms, the DEA and law enforcement partners will pursue them wherever they hide. We remain committed to safeguarding American lives, disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs, and holding those responsible accountable," said Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (Detroit).

"Counterfeit pharmaceutical products represent a serious threat to public health and safety," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Lamb, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. "Today's sentencing demonstrates that those who supply and distribute these products will be held accountable and face serious consequences."

Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Joseph Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (Detroit), Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (Cincinnati), Jonathan Lamb, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations (Kansas City) and Damon Wood, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (Washington, D.C.) jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, DEA, FDA, USPIS, and the Southern Ohio Digital Organized Crime Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Name of Attorney Kathryn Dieruf prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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