Antelope Valley man charged with using drone to distribute fentanyl

LOS ANGELES, California — A 34-year-old man from Lancaster, California, has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly using a drone to deliver fentanyl and other drugs, resulting in a fatal overdose. Christopher Patrick Laney, also known as "Crany," faces multiple charges, including distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Laney is accused of using an unregistered drone to transport fentanyl from his home to a nearby church parking lot on January 17, 2023, according to the indictment unsealed today. The fentanyl was then distributed to a third party who provided it to the victim, identified as "J.K.," who died from an overdose the following day. Video footage allegedly shows Laney using the drone for drug distribution on at least three other occasions in late 2022 and early 2023.

In February 2023, authorities found methamphetamine, fentanyl, and multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle and two 9mm semiautomatic pistols, at Laney's residence. The firearms were described as "ghost guns" due to their lack of serial numbers.

If convicted on all charges, Laney faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in federal prison and could receive a life sentence. The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the United States Customs and Border Protection’s Center for Air and Marine Drone Exploitation.

Assistant United States Attorney Kyle W. Kahan is prosecuting the case. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime, and Laney is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.