A federal judge has sentenced an Auburn man to 144 months in prison, following the 2021 overdose death of a teenager.

Jay Quan Adams, 23, was sentenced on Thursday, according to a news release from acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Steven Hofer with the Drug Enforcement Administration. There is no possibility of parole in the federal system.

Adams pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of possession to distribute fentanyl. Other charges against Adams were dropped as part of a plea agreement.

“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is destroying lives and devastating families,” Davidson said. “This case is a tragic example of the toll the drug is taking on communities right here in the Middle District of Alabama. My office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of anyone selling these deadly pills.”

According to the news release, on March 26, 2021, law enforcement responded to a report of an unresponsive teenager. The teenager was determined to have died as a result of ingesting a pill that he didn’t know contained fentanyl.

On March 29, 2021, law enforcement searched Adams’ residence and found pills containing fentanyl. An investigation determined that the teenager went to Adam’s residence the night before he died and paid him $80.

When law enforcement searched Adams’ home, they discovered pills consistent with hydrocodone and Percocet, marijuana, and a firearm, according to news reports at the time.

Adams admitted to possessing the pills with the intent to distribute at his plea hearing in May. He was 19 at the time of his arrest, according to prior news reports.

“Yesterday’s sentence brings a measure of justice to the victim’s family,” Hofer said. “Fentanyl is a silent killer that has claimed countless lives, and this case is a reminder of the dangers of the synthetic opioid. We must continue to educate ourselves, and our communities, about the risks associated with fentanyl in hopes of preventing future tragedies.”

The DEA and Auburn Police Department investigated the case. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences assisted in the case, and Davidson prosecuted the case.