“Investigations into those who distribute fentanyl can only help to stop the illegal sale and use of this often-deadly drug. These cases can take time and we appreciate the law enforcement work that they entail.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
SAN DIEGO – On April 6, 2026, a federal grand jury indictment was unsealed in San Diego charging Maegan Hobbs and David Michael Richards Hansen-Taylor with distributing the fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 33-year-old San Diego resident.
According to court records, the pair sold the fatal dose of fentanyl in September 2024. On September 14, 2024, Hobbs allegedly warned the victim about the dangerous nature of the drugs she was selling, messaging him “to be careful with the next stuff.” On September 15, 2024, the day the victim was found deceased, Hobbs allegedly messaged the victim, “Did you feel the Fetty [fentanyl] at least?” The following day, she agreed to sell additional fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer.
Hansen, who allegedly conspired with Hobbs to sell fentanyl, is also charged with counterfeiting United States currency.
Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team led the investigation. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Diego Police Department, the La Mesa Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith D. Ellison.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 25CR2955-JO
Maegan Hobbs Age: 31 San Diego, CA
David Michael Richards Hansen-Taylor Age: 35 Chula Vista, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 – Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C)
Count 2 –Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
Mandatory minimum: Twenty years in prison
Count 3 (Hansen-Taylor) – Counterfeiting United States Currency – Title 18, United States Code, Section 471
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego Police Department
Homeland Security Investigations
California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force
California Department of Health Care Services
La Mesa Police Department
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
