Jonathan Tyler Gauthier, 30, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that caused the fatal overdoses of two men in 2022. Despite knowing the deadly consequences of his actions, Gauthier continued to sell the drug — prompting prosecutors to argue for a harsh sentence.
Gauthier pleaded guilty earlier this year to distributing fentanyl that resulted in the deaths of Sam Guest, 24, in September 2022, and Jesse White, 27, in December 2022. Both men died within hours of taking pills sold to them by Gauthier. According to prosecutors, Gauthier even acknowledged the potency of the drugs, texting Guest to be careful — a warning that came too late.
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“Tragic and Preventable”
U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino, who handed down the sentence, called the case “one of the most tragic” to come before her court.
“Even after two people lost their lives, the defendant kept pushing poison for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “This sentence sends a stark message: If you deal fentanyl and show no regard for the deadly consequences, you will be held fully accountable.”
Cold Indifference
The government’s sentencing memorandum highlighted Gauthier’s disturbing disregard for human life:
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After Guest’s overdose, Gauthier kept dealing, referring to him as “my buddy” in texts — while continuing sales.
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Just three months later, he sold 10 fentanyl pills to White, who died the next morning — on Christmas Eve.
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Even after two deaths, Gauthier was caught in Las Vegas selling methamphetamine, showing what prosecutors called a “chilling pattern of criminality.”
Remembering the Victims
Guest was remembered as kind-hearted and full of joy by his mother, who described the enduring pain of losing her son. White’s family recalled his “heart of gold”, love of history and football, and his excitement to spend Christmas with his niece — a trip to the zoo that will never happen.
“Dealing deadly drugs like fentanyl is not a victimless crime,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Jacob Galvan. “Two lives were lost, and countless others forever changed.”
Aggressive Federal Response
The case was investigated by the DEA’s Overdose Response Team and Homeland Security’s Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST). These multi-agency task forces target criminal networks responsible for fentanyl distribution and overdose deaths across Southern California.
According to law enforcement, Gauthier’s sentencing is part of a larger effort to dismantle fentanyl supply chains and hold those accountable for overdose fatalities.\
