Shasta County Man Takes Plea Deal in Connection with Fentanyl Death of 13-Year-Old
Above: Stock Image
A Shasta County man has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to multiple charges in connection with the fentanyl-related death of a 13-year-old boy in 2020.
According to a press release by the District Attorney’s Office, Ryan Andrew Harrison has pleaded guilty to charges including voluntary manslaughter and possession for sale of controlled substances in connection with the death of a 13-year-old boy on August 12, 2020.
The victim had purchased a pill containing fentanyl from Harrison via Snapchat. The young boy consumed the pill in his bedroom and was later found unresponsive by his family. Despite efforts to revive him, he ultimately did not survive. An autopsy determined that fentanyl was the cause of death, the DA’s Office said.
Harrison, 18 years old at the time, had reportedly been selling various controlled substances, including pills containing fentanyl and codeine, through his Snapchat account under the username “p_man2730” and the alias “Plug Man.”
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Redding Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. After obtaining search warrants for phone records and conducting surveillance on Harrison for several months, a search warrant was executed at his residence on February 24, 2021.
During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement officials reportedly discovered significant quantities of fentanyl, vape pens, codeine syrup, and a substantial amount of US currency. The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Toby Powell and investigated by officers from the Redding Police Department and agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Advocates Robyn Reger and Shanna Stephens were assigned to the case to assist with legal matters.
Harrison’s guilty plea encompasses charges of voluntary manslaughter, possession for sale of controlled substances, and admission of aggravating factors related to the crimes. The plea agreement stipulates a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison. The sentencing date is scheduled for September 5.
