PORTLAND, Ore. – A 32-year-old McMinnville man has pleaded guilty to a federal drug conspiracy charge stemming from a February 2023 overdose incident in Yamhill County that killed one person and left six others seriously injured.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott Bradford announced that John Kyle Donnahoo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance.
According to federal court documents, Donnahoo conspired with another individual to distribute what he believed was cocaine. He obtained the substance from a co-conspirator described as an active drug dealer in Yamhill County and delivered it to a customer at a residence.
However, the substance contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Seven adults ingested the drug and immediately overdosed.
Some of the individuals reportedly attempted to test the substance using a fentanyl test kit. The first test malfunctioned, while a second test incorrectly indicated that fentanyl was not present.
Donnahoo transported three of his friends who had overdosed to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, medical personnel and law enforcement officers responded to the residence and administered lifesaving treatment, including Narcan, to the remaining victims.
One person died, while six others were hospitalized with serious injuries. All six survivors later recovered.
As part of his plea agreement, Donnahoo admitted that he knowingly joined a conspiracy to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, obtained and delivered the drug that caused the overdoses, and understood the purpose of the conspiracy.
Donnahoo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to one million dollars and at least three years of supervised release.
He has also agreed to pay full restitution, including funeral expenses for the person who died and medical expenses for the six survivors.
Donnahoo is scheduled to be sentenced January 22, 2027, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin is prosecuting the case.
