Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession of Fentanyl Pills

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rafael Magana, age 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 13, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for three drug trafficking crimes involving fentanyl, including possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Magana to 180 months' imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Magana's release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.

An investigation that began in March 2023 identified Magana as a supplier of fentanyl pills in Omaha. A confidential informant made four buys of fentanyl pills after the informant contacted Magana. Magana's residence was searched pursuant to a warrant on July 24, 2023. Agents found more than 1,000 fentanyl pills and seized $6,680 cash. At the residence, agents also found paperwork for a storage unit. Magana gave consent to search the storage unit, which uncovered another 13,800 fentanyl pills.

Magana faced an enhancement mandatory minimum for the possession charge because of a 2015 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. The $6,680 cash will be ordered forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

The indictment also charged Magana and two co-defendants with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Zacharie Stinson, age 31, of Omaha pleaded guilty and was sentenced in September to 57 months in prison. Lucas Ehly, age 31, of Omaha has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced December 20, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Metro Drug Task Force.