A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Harry Francis Lowenthal, 66, pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on November 12, 2024.
Court records show that Lowenthal was arrested after an investigation into fentanyl distribution. During his arrest, Lowenthal was found with a white powdery substance, later confirmed to be a mixture of fentanyl and heroin. He admitted to possessing cocaine and fentanyl and to selling heroin. A search of his residence uncovered a firearm, $5,000 in cash, a small amount of suspected heroin and fentanyl, and drug trafficking paraphernalia, including plastic baggies, a digital scale, and lactose powder often used to dilute drugs. Lab analysis confirmed the presence of approximately 19 grams of fentanyl and heroin mixture.
“Fentanyl, even in small amounts, is a potent synthetic opioid, approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin,” said U.S. Attorney Diggs. “This sentence sends a clear message that we will continue to hold drug dealers accountable for distributing this deadly substance.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beaumont Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman with assistance from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
