Today, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office officially launched a new phase of their Fentanyl Education and Awareness Campaign — and it's making a bold statement with new billboards across the County: “You Sell – Your Cell, Murder by Fentanyl.”
District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, County Administrative Officer Paul Nerland, the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff John Zanoni, and City of Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto stood together at the press conference to drive home a serious message: If you’re selling fentanyl and someone dies — you could face murder charges.
Fresno County has been leading the charge in fighting the deadly fentanyl epidemic since 2020. In 2021, the District Attorney and County Administrative Office funded a multipronged media campaign, starting with the unforgettable images that appeared on billboards and PSAs that played on TV, in movie theatres, and on social media. In addition, the District Attorney’s office attended and organized numerous fentanyl awareness town halls and presentations at schools and community meetings and was heavily involved in an Emmy-nominated documentary about the fentanyl crisis. Less than a month ago, the DA’s office successfully prosecuted the County’s first fentanyl homicide case.
And now, with the campaign’s new bold message and striking images of an incarcerated person, Fresno County is doubling down on its commitment to educate, help save more lives and discourage fentanyl sales and distribution.
The County is grateful to have strong partners to protect our community and hold dealers accountable.
Episode published 4-14-2025.