United States of America v. Paul Barris, Jr.; Michael Anthony Manners

Denver, Colorado criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Fentanyl Related Death

Two Colorado Men Sentenced To Federal Prison For Fentanyl Related Death

Paul Barris, Jr., 40, of Telluride, and Michael Anthony Manners, 40, of Montrose, pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance containing fentanyl resulting in death.



In September of 2021, Baris purchased fentanyl with the help of Manners in the Montrose, Colorado area. Baris then provided the fentanyl to a woman who later died of an overdose.



"Stopping illicit fentanyl distribution is a priority for the Administration, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell. "Our office will relentlessly pursue drug dealers to get this scourge off our streets.”



United States District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing.



The Drug Enforcement Administration handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Josh Player handled the prosecution.