Two Harrisonburg residents sentenced for role in fentanyl death of teen who bought pills during university break
Harrisonburg, Virginia – Two individuals from Harrisonburg have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the 2023 death of 18-year-old Cayden Foster, a high school student who died after consuming part of a counterfeit pill laced with the synthetic opioid.
Fentanyl-Laced Pill Claims Young Life
Last week, a federal court handed down sentences to 27-year-old Bessy Jimenez Mejia and 24-year-old Liam Conaway after both admitted to their involvement in the fatal drug distribution chain that led to Foster’s death.
Jimenez Mejia was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after she admitted to being the source of supply for the fentanyl that ultimately killed Foster. Conaway, who served as the intermediary, was sentenced to 240 months. Prosecutors said Conaway obtained the deadly pills from Jimenez Mejia and then distributed them to Foster.
“Fentanyl is a clear and present danger to our communities. One pill can kill,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “In this case, half a fentanyl-laced pill cost a uniquely precious and extraordinary young man his life. This office will seek clear accountability against those who profit from trafficking this poison in the Western District of Virginia.”
A Deadly Exchange Begins Over a Mobile App
According to court records, the tragic chain of events began in January 2023, when Foster, then still in high school in Centreville, Virginia, contacted Conaway, a student at James Madison University (JMU), to purchase pills. The two had previously used pills together during Conaway’s academic break from JMU.
On January 27, 2023, Foster sent $105 through Venmo to Conaway as payment. Conaway then bought approximately ten pills from Jimenez Mejia in Harrisonburg. The pills were designed to look like 30 mg Percocet pills, but were in fact counterfeit and contained fentanyl.
Just two days later, a friend of Foster’s delivered three of those pills—sourced from Jimenez Mejia through Conaway—to Foster in Northern Virginia.
On the evening of January 30, 2023, Foster consumed part of one of the pills. That night, he suffered a fatal overdose from fentanyl poisoning. When first responders arrived the next morning, they pronounced him dead at the scene.
Officials Condemn Greed Over Human Life
Authorities emphasized the impact of fentanyl in communities across the country and the urgency of efforts to address the crisis.
“We need a Fentanyl-Free America,” said Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. “Our families are enduring the tragedy of losing loved ones, all due to greedy criminals like Jimenez Mejia and Conaway. For them, Fentanyl is merely a business; they lack concern for human lives and the well-being of our children. To the Foster family, we want you to know that we stand by your side in the fight against this crisis, committed to making a safer future for all. Your strength and resilience inspire us every day.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Fairfax County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Sally J. Sullivan and Jason Scheff prosecuted the case.
Foster’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the risks posed by counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, a drug so potent that even a tiny amount can be lethal. Law enforcement agencies continue to warn that “one pill can kill”, urging young people and families to remain vigilant in the face of a growing epidemic.
