Justin Wu, a 23-year-old resident of Waikiki, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl-laced pills and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park, who also ordered five years of supervised release following Wu’s imprisonment.
According to information presented in court, Wu distributed five blue pills containing fentanyl to an 18-year-old United States Marine on November 9, 2021. The Marine died from fentanyl toxicity the next day. Wu was later arrested on June 29, 2022, while in possession of about 17 grams of cocaine.
Judge Park issued a sentence above the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range due to several aggravating factors. She stated that Wu’s actions “contributed to and facilitated the Marine’s death.” The judge also highlighted that Wu continued dealing drugs while already on federal probation for a previous drug trafficking conviction, calling it a “brazen” violation of the court’s trust. While awaiting trial in custody, Wu attempted to obstruct justice by asking another person to provide false testimony on his behalf. As a result, his prior probation was revoked and he received concurrent sentences.
The investigation into this case was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with support from the Honolulu Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case.
