Madison man sentenced to 57 months for fentanyl conspiracy and cocaine possession

Jason Viera Penalbert, 37, of Madison, got a federal sentencing on Wednesday, July 17, for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute a significant quantity of fentanyl.

In Omaha's federal court, Penalbert was sentenced to 57 months in prison, to be followed by a 2-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal justice system.

The case unfolded when DEA agents, monitoring activities at a UPS facility on May 18, 2023, flagged a suspicious package.

A positive canine alert led to authorities getting a search warrant.

Inside the package, agents discovered two bricks wrapped in silver duct tape containing a total of about 2,428 grams of powdered fentanyl.

Agents replaced the fentanyl with fake narcotics and conducted a controlled delivery to a home in Norfolk.

Penalbert was arrested when trying to collect the package at the location. During his arrest, Penalbert disclosed that he had traveled from Madison to Norfolk with the intention of transporting the fentanyl to Minnesota.

A search of his cell phone uncovered incriminating messages related to the planned distribution. Further investigation revealed about 195 grams of cocaine at his residence in Madison.

As part of a plea agreement, Penalbert agreed to a plea deal where he admitted guilt to the fentanyl distribution charge, leading to the dismissal of a separate charge for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Nebraska State Patrol assisted with forensic testing of the drugs seized.