An El Cajon man was sentenced Oct. 23 to 14 years in federal prison for distributing a lethal dose of fentanyl, causing the death of a former La Mesa man who purchased it from him.
Christopher Glenn Emison, 33, was sentenced for the April 11, 2019 death of Derrick Hotchkiss, 45, a member of the San Diego Old Aztecs Rugby football club.
Emison left a text message on Hotchkiss’ cell phone that indicated he sold a drug that contained fenanyl the night before to Hotchkiss, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
“Dealing in drugs is dangerous,” said U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Battaglia to Emison. “Dealing in fentanyl is deadly.”
“For those that survive the victim, they have a whole lifetime to consider (what happened) and to grieve,” said Battaglia.
Battaglia imposed the 168-month sentence Oct. 23. The maximum term is 40 years. Emison pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
Hotchkiss’ mother told the judge her “life was shattered” when she learned of his death.
A co-defendant, Jeffrey Alden Blair, 34, of San Diego, has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced Nov. 23.
The victim’s widow, Diann Hotchkiss, said in a letter to the judge that their young son “does not have a father” now.
“He will have no memories of (his father), just photographs and stories I will share,” wrote Diann Hotchkiss.
A GoFundMe campaign scholarship fund was launched online by the rugby club for the victim’s young son. It raised $10,350 from 80 donors, according to the online account.
“He was a large man with a heart to match…gone too soon, brother,” said the rugby club in a statement on their website.
“We continue to grieve our beloved Deez…May you find your peace on your ride into Valhalla,” the statement said.
El Cajon Police and agents from the Narcotics Task Force were commended by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer.
“This case and the fact that deadly fentanyl continues to ravage our community, taking more than 300 lives this year along in San Diego County, demonstrates the urgent need to hold these dealers of death accountable for their actions,” said Brewer in a statement.
“Law enforcement must continue to devote resources to the opioid epidemic and stop those who profit from drug trafficking, while robbing sons and daughters of their parents, and parents of their children,” said Brewer.
“Selling drugs is not a victimless crime,” said DEA Special Agent in charge John Callery.
“Selling drugs is a root cause of crime, cartel violence, the destruction of families, and in this case, death,” said Callery.
Police found a loaded .357 Magnum revolver on Emison’s bed with 1,000 rounds. They also found 95 grams of heroin residue, evidence of drug sales, 11 grams of fentanyl, a hash oil laboratory, a digital scale and more firearms and ammunition in his vehicle, according to court records.
Emison acknowledged to agents that he was aware fentanyl was dangerous. He claimed to have sent a warning text to Hotchkiss about the drug’s strength, but it was sent apparently after Hotchkiss died.
