SANTA ANA, California
A federal grand jury Thursday indicted an Orange County man who allegedly distributed fentanyl, which resulted in the overdose deaths of two people during the spring of 2023, officials stated.
Michel Joseph Abdallah, 21, known as “Mike,” from Laguna Niguel, has been indicted on six charges, including two counts of distributing fentanyl leading to death, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
Abdallah’s arraignment is set to take place in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana within the coming weeks. He is currently in state custody.
The indictment states that on March 25, 2023, Abdallah distributed fentanyl to a victim identified as “C.R.” in Mission Viejo. C.R. overdosed and died after using the drug.
On May 15, 2023, in Aliso Viejo, Abdallah allegedly distributed fentanyl again, this time to “L.F.,” who also died from a fatal overdose.
On June 10, 2023, Abdallah was allegedly found in possession of 2.9 pounds of fentanyl. He was also reportedly carrying two firearms, including an AR-15-style pistol with no serial number, commonly known as a “ghost gun.”
If convicted of all charges, Abdallah faces up to life in prison. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa J. Lindhorst of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.