Evansville, Ind. – A 26-year-old man from Evansville has been sentenced to 13 years and 7 months in federal prison for the distribution of fentanyl that led to the death of a 17-year-old local teen.
Austin Jenkins was sentenced Thursday following his conviction for distributing fentanyl, a potent opioid, which caused the fatal overdose of Cash O’Nan in 2021. Jenkins’ sentence, handed down by the U.S. District Court, is one of the many recent cases highlighting the deadly impact of fentanyl distribution.
Jenkins was arrested several years ago in connection with O’Nan’s tragic death, which shocked the local community. O’Nan, a teenager from Evansville, was described by his mother in an interview in 2023 as a “very good person” who made “very bad choices.” Despite his young age, O’Nan’s life was tragically cut short after his exposure to fentanyl, a drug that has taken a devastating toll on communities across the country.
During the court proceedings, it was noted that Jenkins was responsible for distributing fentanyl that ultimately led to O’Nan’s overdose. The sentence of 13 years and 7 months reflects the gravity of the crime, with Jenkins also facing five years of supervised release following his time in prison. He will not be eligible for parole, underscoring the seriousness with which the court treats drug distribution offenses that result in death.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid many times more powerful than heroin, continues to be a major contributor to the opioid crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. The death of O’Nan serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal drug distribution and the profound impact it can have on families and communities.
For O’Nan’s mother, the sentencing of Jenkins does little to ease the pain of losing her son, but she continues to advocate for her son’s memory, speaking out about the consequences of poor choices in the hopes of preventing other tragedies. Her efforts to remember her son as a person, not just a victim of his circumstances, have resonated with many who have been touched by similar stories of loss.
Jenkins’ sentence marks the latest chapter in the ongoing battle against fentanyl and other illicit drugs that continue to plague communities across the United States. As law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on drug distribution networks, families like that of Cash O’Nan remain at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and its far-reaching consequences.
