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Former Texas Tech professor pleads guilty to running fentanyl trafficking conspiracy
By Chelsea Collinsworth at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A former Texas Tech University marketing and supply chain management professor plead guilty to his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced51-year-old Daniel Taylor was federally charged i...
Key takeaway Taylor faces a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The guilty plea of a former Texas Tech professor in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy has significant implications for the Permian Basin area, where Odessa is located. As the region grapples with the ongoing opioid crisis, this case brings attention to the devastating consequences of fentanyl distribution. The fact that Taylor, a former academic, was involved in such activities raises concerns about the reach of these networks and the potential for unsuspecting individuals to be affected. With at least eight overdoses linked to the fentanyl he supplied, the impact on local families and communities is undeniable. As the sentencing hearing approaches, residents of Odessa and the surrounding areas will be watching closely to see how the justice system responds to this serious offense, and what measures will be taken to prevent similar cases in the future. The connection to a major university also raises questions about the role of institutions in preventing and addressing these issues.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A former Texas Tech University marketing and supply chain management professor plead guilty to his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced51-year-old Daniel Taylor was federally charged i...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chelsea Collinsworth at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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