Local fentanyl dealer sentenced

AUSTIN — Colten Romeo Thayer, 20, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in federal court on April 29.

Thayer was arrested on Aug. 30, 2022, for possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop led a search of his vehicle, where officers discovered fentanyl. According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Thayer was purchasing the pills to sell in and around Hays County, as well as to use recreationally.

On Nov. 13, 2023, the case was dismissed at the county level and moved to the federal court, where Thayer pleaded guilty on Dec. 21, 2023.

Prior to his 2022 arrest, Thayer is believed to have been involved with the overdose death of Noah Rodriguez, 15, who was a sophomore at Johnson High School. In August 2022, Rodriguez was found unresponsive in a friend’s home and when his mother, Janel Rodriguez, got the call, she rushed to her child’s aid, only to find out that he was unable to be saved.

“Since the moment we learned you were being held responsible for Noah’s death, I started thinking of what I would say to you when this day would come,” said Janel at the sentencing. “There is a constant ache in my heart, a hole … Noah was a young man who believed in second chances … I want you to know that with all my heart, I forgive you.”

"Romeo, I don't hate you. I believe you got caught up in the game that a lot of young people do because of the 'easy money,' but this choice and lifestyle come with consequences, too," Janel continued. "So, here you are, about to begin a 10 year federal sentence, which gives you 10 years to get it right, rehabilitate, to make a life change and, as long as you [want] to make a difference, I will be there to support you."

Janel and her husband, Brandon Dunn, now run Forever15Project, an organization that aims to educate others on the danger of fentanyl.