SAN DIEGO – Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap of San Diego pleaded guilty today to distributing a counterfeit oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl that killed a 15-year-old Coronado High School sophomore, referred to in court records as C.J.S., on May 12, 2021.

During the change of plea hearing, Beltranlap admitted to utilizing his Instagram account to coordinating a drug transaction with C.J.S. Beltranlap warned C.J.S. to only take half the pill because it was “strong.” Law enforcement responded on May 13, 2021 after learning of C.J.S.’s fatal overdose. Beltranlap was arrested the next day carrying five pills, which also turned out to be counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. In the plea agreement, Beltranlap and the Government stipulated that the Sentencing Guidelines for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and/or serious bodily injury will apply.

“C.J.S.’s tragic death must not be in vain. We need to continue to educate our middle and high school age children about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Our office will continue to pursue these cases to ensure that those who peddle this poison to youth face the full measure of federal prosecution.”

“C.J.S. was child and a member of our community. We know this will not make the family whole but we appreciate the multi-agency collaboration that went into holding this offender accountable.” said Coronado Police Chief Chuck Kaye.

“Parents: I’m pleading with you to please talk to your child – no matter their age – about the dangers of taking a pill that didn’t come from a doctor or pharmacist. Although difficult, this conversation could save your child’s life.” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe.

Beltranlap is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo.

This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Diego Police Department, the California Department of Health Care Services and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The DEA created the DEA Overdose Response Team which investigates overdose deaths in San Diego County. Investigators from the Overdose Response Team, as well as the Coronado Police Department and NTF Team 3, contributed to the investigation into C.J.S.’s death.

DEFENDANT                                                                              Case Number 21-CR-3442 CAB
Kaylar Junior Tawan Beltranlap                                                  Age: 21               San Diego, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribute of Fentanyl – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)
Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison

AGENCY
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Coronado Police Department
San Diego Police Department
California Department of Health Care Services

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.