Two Pleaded Guilty in San Diego Fentanyl Sales Case
The pair admitted to selling fentanyl-laced pills to U.S. Navy sailors stationed in San Diego.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Drug Crime
Bailey A. Szramowski and Johnnese H. Poomaihealani pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. The illegal sales led to the fentanyl intoxication death of a U.S. Navy servicemember in January 2023.
Why it matters
This case highlights the lethal risks associated with counterfeit pills and the targeted distribution of illicit opioids to military personnel. The prosecution also addressed efforts by the defendants to obstruct justice by coercing overdose survivors.
Szramowski faces between 5 and 40 years in prison with a $5 million maximum fine, while Poomaihealani faces up to 20 years and a $1 million fine. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for December 11, 2026.
The players
Bailey A. Szramowski
The defendant provided the counterfeit pills to service members and faces the highest potential prison sentence.
Johnnese H. Poomaihealani
The defendant was a co-conspirator who pleaded guilty to roles in the drug distribution scheme.
U.S. Navy
The military branch whose active-duty personnel were targeted by the defendants for illicit drug sales.
The details
The defendants sold counterfeit oxycodone pills to active-duty U.S. Navy sailors, including 10 pills provided to one victim and three sold to a sailor named C.L. Following the death of a servicemember identified as A.N., the pair instructed a survivor of an overdose to provide false information to law enforcement to conceal the drug source.
Timeline
December 2022: Szramowski provided 10 pills to a servicemember.
January 2023: Servicemember A.N. died of fentanyl intoxication.
September 21, 2026: The defendants entered guilty pleas in federal court.
December 11, 2026: The court will hold a sentencing hearing for the defendants.
Legal Context
This case reflects the ongoing federal crackdown on fentanyl distribution networks operating near major military hubs. These prosecutions align with the operational focus of the HSI San Diego FAST task force established in August 2022.
Residents and service members are warned that pills obtained through illicit channels are frequently counterfeit and may contain lethal doses of fentanyl. The investigation underscores the dangers of purchasing unauthorized medication outside of regulated pharmacy systems.
The takeaway
Counterfeit pills often appear identical to legitimate prescription medications but carry extreme risks of fatal overdose. Individuals should only consume medicine dispensed by verified, licensed pharmacies to avoid exposure to illicit synthetic opioids.
What happens next
The sentencing hearing for Bailey A. Szramowski and Johnnese H. Poomaihealani is set for December 11, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on regional enforcement efforts, visit the Drug Crime section.
