BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Los Angeles man is facing up to life in prison and a $10 million fine after pleading guilty Tuesday in a drug conspiracy case, in which he helped distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl at the Kern Valley State Prison, according to federal prosecutors.
Justin Damonte Mitchell, 32, was convicted of conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of distributing fentanyl, according to a release by the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California.
Mitchell’s sentencing is set for Dec. 1, according to officials. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine, but prosecutors said his actual sentence may be different after the court considers any applicable statutory factors and the federal sentencing guidelines.
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According to court documents, Mitchell was recruited by his brother Kristopher Thomas, 37, to help in drug transactions outside of prison. Thomas is serving a gang-related murder sentence at the Kern Valley State Prison, the release said…