Ogden man sentenced to 20 years in prison after fentanyl-related death
Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press
A reporter holds up an example of the amount of fentanyl that can be deadly after a news conference about deaths from fentanyl exposure, at DEA Headquarters in Arlington Va., on June 6, 2017.SALT LAKE CITY – Spencer Massengale, 34, of Ogden, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Tuesday for fentanyl possession that resulted in another person’s death, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Utah.
“According to court documents and statements made at Massengale’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on February 22, 2023, a victim was found dead on the couch of Massengale’s residence,” read the press release. “During the investigation police recovered 330 fentanyl pills in the home, which Massengale admitted he intended to distribute to others. Massengale further admitted that when his roommate called on the telephone to notify him that the victim was unresponsive, Massengale asked his roommate to delay calling 911 and to hide Massengale’s fentanyl pills from police. Massengale did not call 911 until he returned home and found the victim dead. Massengale then reported the victim ‘overdosed.’
“The Utah State Assistant Medical Examiner and toxicologists determined that the victim died of drug intoxication from the effects of the use of fentanyl.”
Massengale pleaded guilty on July 23 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, according to the release. Additionally, the release stated, he was sentenced to five years of supervised release and must pay $4,025 in restitution.
Massengale was convicted in December 2022 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to the release, and received a sentence of 0-15 years in the Utah State Prison, and it was suspended upon the completion of 36 months probation.
“Mr. Massengale’s long history of recidivism and the devastating consequences of his fentanyl distribution resulted in the worst possible outcome — the loss of another life,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah in the release. “No prison sentence can ever erase the pain and suffering endured by the victim’s loved ones. However, by removing Mr. Massengale from our community, we hope they can begin the difficult process of healing.”
The Weber Morgan Narcotics Strike Force investigated the case and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted it, according to the release.
Contact Standard-Examiner editor Ryan Comer at rcomer@standard.net.
