Bend Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 11+ Years in Federal Prison

Eugene, Oregon- A Central Oregon man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 11 years in federal prison following a multi-agency investigation into his drug trafficking activities.

Ricky Fontaine, 32, of Bend, Oregon, received a sentence of 135 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.

The case stemmed from an investigation led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit. According to court documents, detectives received information in April 2023 that Fontaine was actively distributing fentanyl in Deschutes County. On April 1, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Fontaine. At the time, he had an unrelated active felony arrest warrant. He attempted to flee on foot but was quickly detained.

A search of the vehicle uncovered over 1,000 grams of fentanyl, a .22 caliber handgun, digital scales, and drug packaging materials. Detectives also found photographs of Fontaine with large quantities of fentanyl pills. A subsequent search of his residence revealed additional fentanyl, scales, and packaging equipment.

On January 18, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Fontaine with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to the drug trafficking charge on December 4, 2024.

“This case is the result of excellent collaboration among the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon,” said Acting U.S. Attorney William M. Narus. “We thank the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for partnering with us to prosecute this case in federal court.”

The investigation received assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and the Redmond Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Doyle.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than morphine and heroin. Even small amounts can be lethal. The increased availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has been linked to a rising number of overdose deaths across the state.