An Ocean Beach man has been sentenced to 12 1/2 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl to another Ocean Beach man who died of an overdose in 2020.
Anthony Souza, 47, was sentenced to 150 months by U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel for causing the death of Chad Stevens, 28, who worked for two years at the Wonderland Ocean Pub, a restaurant in Ocean Beach.
“Drugs are often described as a poison, and, as we all know, poison kills, and that’s what drugs do,” said Curiel before pronouncing the sentence. “They kill dreams, aspirations, goals, humanity, empathy.
“Drugs kill the ability to experience true joy, to make sound decisions. Drugs break up marriages. They break up families,” said the judge.
“The word needs to get out. The message needs to be clear that individuals who partake in the distribution… of fentanyl… will receive a sentence in excess of 10 years,” said Curiel.
In his plea agreement, Souza admitted he provided four counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl, which are commonly called “blues,” to Stevens on Nov. 21, 2019. Those pills caused Stevens to have a near-fatal overdose, but he survived.
But about six months later, Souza again sold counterfeit “blues” to Stevens. Someone called police and asked for a welfare check on Stevens on April 29, 2020. Court records show police found him on the bathroom floor unconscious and not breathing.
Stevens was rushed to a hospital where he died. The cause of death was due to the toxic effects of fentanyl and cocaine, according to court records.
“The days of recreational drug use need to be over,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman in a Sept. 23 press release. “We can’t say it enough. With fentanyl, there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ recreational drug.”
“Souza’s level of disregard for the value of Chad’s life is troubling,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Souza’s choice to place his own greed above the safety of others caused Chad’s death.”
As a result of Stevens’ death, police searched Souza’s home and found 183 counterfeit pills that contained fentanyl and cocaine. Souza was arrested along with his girlfriend, Alyson Marie Vaccacio, 32.
Vaccacio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute drugs containing fentanyl and cocaine and she will be sentenced Dec. 5. She remains free on $30,000 bond.
Souza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, an offense that carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. He received credit for two years he has spent in prison before sentencing and was ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution.
“San Diego is a safer place with Mr. Souza behind bars,” said DEA Special Agent in charge Shelly S. Howe. “We will continue to pursue those who are selling fake pills and contributing to the unprecedented number of overdoses and poisonings.”
“As law enforcement officers, there is nothing more painful than investigating a death that could have been prevented,” said Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego.
“While we call can do our part in removing these illegal and lethal drugs from the streets, the public can only benefit if we also do our part in educating to prevent additional overdose deaths,” added Plantz.
Souza’s attorney, Knut Johnson, urged a sentence of 10 years. The prosecutor asked for 189 months, or nearly 16 years.
Souza dropped out of high school at age 16 to get a fishing job in Alaska. He has worked most of his life as a fisherman and also did some construction work.
Stevens had a funeral in Lafayette, La., where his family lives, and his obituary thanked the employees of the Wonderland Ocean Pub where he worked in Ocean Beach.
“The outpouring of support and friendship expressed during the Wonderland sunset vigil held at the restaurant and the candlelight vigil in front of his residence was an extremely beautiful sign of love from all,” the obituary read.
“Chad was a devoted friend to many, willing to do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat. He loved California and lived for surfboarding and skateboarding. His energy was contagious,” his obituary read.
