Alleged fentanyl dealer arrested in Mesa man's death

Alleged fentanyl dealer indicted in Valley man's death

Under a new state law, Cruzita Leon is believed to be the first person in Maricopa County charged for selling fentanyl that resulted in a person's death.

MESA, Ariz. - For the first time under a new Arizona law, authorities say a person in Maricopa County has been charged for selling fentanyl that resulted in someone's death.

What we know:

According to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Cruzita Leon was indicted for selling drugs in connection with the death of 49-year-old Todd Gordon, who was found unresponsive at a Mesa home on Nov. 27, 2024.

Gordon died at the hospital on Dec. 1.

Cruzita Leon

What they're saying:

After Gordon's death, police say Gordon's family uncovered text messages between him and Leon arranging a drug deal.

"The victim asked for fentanyl powder because he said pills were not strong enough. In the text exchange, the two settled on a price, and the defendant gave suggestions to the victim on how to take fentanyl in powder form," the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said. "Days later, Gordon was dead from a fentanyl overdose."

Leon is accused of manslaughter, sale of fentanyl, sale or transportation of narcotic drugs and conspiracy to commit sale or transportation of narcotic drugs.

"Leon is believed to be the first person in Maricopa County charged under the new ‘Sale of Lethal Fentanyl’ state law, which makes it a Class Two Felony to knowingly sell fentanyl that causes another person’s death," MCAO said.