Staff Report SAN MARCOS — In the fall of 2022, Hays County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an overdose of a 17-year-old victim. This incident led to an investigation by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Special Services Division, which identified Gabriel Cecilio Osorio, 22, of Austin as a suspect.
Deputies then enlisted the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
In 2023, Osorio was investigated for distributing fentanyl-laced, fake oxycodone pills. As part of the investigation, DEA agents orchestrated two controlled purchases of pills from Osorio, resulting in the acquisition of 100 pills in the first transaction and 3,000 pills in the second.
DEA obtained and executed a search warrant and on June 22, 2023, Osorio was arrested outside of his residence with approximately 5,000 pills. Inside the home, agents found another 3,700 pills, a money counter, a digital scale, four firearms and $45,701 in cash, according to a news release.
In addition to a 10-year prison term, Osorio was ordered to forfeit $45,701.00, four firearms and assorted jewelry that were seized during the search.
“Osorio's sentencing today continues this office's work to stem the tide in the greater Austin area of the illegal drug distribution of fake pharmaceutical pills containing fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Fentanyl poses a significant threat to communities across this district and the United States and I am grateful to the many federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who join us in prioritizing these very serious drug crimes.”
