Overview
- Daniel Taylor, a former marketing and supply‑chain professor, pleaded guilty in early July to running an illegal fentanyl operation that federal agents investigated and charged in February.
- Authorities say Taylor manufactured a pink‑colored mix of fentanyl and the sedative bromazolam marketed as “Pink Flamingo,” with a handwritten recipe and branded merchandise seized in a house search.
- Prosecutors allege Taylor targeted sex workers, at times trading drugs for sexual acts, and admitted his product caused at least eight overdoses including one victim who required prolonged artificial ventilation.
- Investigators say weeks of surveillance led to the search that recovered powders, digital evidence, packaging and merch, and four women who distributed his fentanyl have also been charged.
- Federal prosecutors are pushing for a heavy sentence and fines; reports vary on maximum exposure but all note significant prison time is expected and the case highlights risks of illicit fentanyl and exploitation of vulnerable people.