A Longview woman has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for her role in distributing fentanyl, resulting in the death of a victim, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Rebecca Diane Merkel, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced on November 13, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.
According to court records, Merkel operated a drug distribution network from her residence on Williams Street in Longview, which became known as the “Walmart of drugs” to its users. Along with her co-defendants, Merkel sold various illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced pills, in exchange for money, stolen property, and firearms. Her network serviced dealers in Gregg, Rusk, and Panola counties.
On March 29, 2023, Merkel sold what were believed to be prescription pills to a victim, who later died from fentanyl poisoning. The victim's body was found the next day in Rusk County, staged by other co-defendants to avoid detection. An autopsy confirmed fentanyl overdose as the cause of death.
In May 2023, Merkel was arrested during a traffic stop, where officers recovered fentanyl-laced pills, methamphetamine, heroin, crack cocaine, and a firearm. Merkel admitted to selling these drugs from her home, including during the time of the fatal sale.
The investigation, part of a larger effort to combat opioid distribution, also led to the conviction of six other co-defendants, including Timothy Wayne Yow, Jonathan Schurr, Stephanie Nichoal Kravis, Wesley Ryan Parker, Daulton Wayne Anthony, and Kylie Breaane Durand, all of whom received various prison sentences ranging from 37 to 188 months.
The case highlights the significant dangers associated with fentanyl and the increasing availability of counterfeit prescription pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert to raise awareness of the risks posed by fake prescription drugs laced with fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the ATF, DEA, and several local law enforcement agencies, including the Gregg, Panola, and Rusk County Sheriff's Offices, and the Longview and Kilgore Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
