DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - A Dallas man faces trial after he was indicted for allegedly selling fentanyl and similar opioids on the dark web in exchange for bitcoin.
A federal grand jury indicted Sean Shaughnessy, 51, on 11 counts, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance analogue.
Shaughnessy also faces eight counts of money laundering.
According to court records, Shaughnessy allegedly sold the drugs over the dark web, an unindexed portion of the internet that allows users to conduct transactions with relative anonymity. The indictment says customers paid Shaughnessy with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.
Authorities said Shaughnessy allegedly transferred his bitcoin proceeds to other cryptocurrency wallets in exchange for regular currency, which was shipped to his Dallas home. According to investigators, Shaughnessy unknowingly sent more than $120,000 in bitcoin to wallet addresses controlled by federal agents.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox said, "Darknet dealers often believe that by using bitcoin, they can evade authorities. This prosecution proves that's not the case. We will continue to pursue anyone peddling this deadly drug - on the streets or online."
One person who allegedly purchased a fentanyl analogue from Shaughnessy overdosed and died.
On Tuesday, Shaughnessy waived his detention hearing. He is now awaiting trial. If convicted, Shaughnessy faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the 11 counts.