Lancaster man sentenced to 14 years for delivering fentanyl via drone that caused a death

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:10:00 +0200

Christopher 'Crany' Laney, 37, pleaded guilty to supplying fentanyl using an unregistered drone, which led to the death of a woman identified only as J.K. in January 2023. Laney operated the drone from his home in Lancaster, delivering narcotics to a nearby church parking lot where accomplices collected and distributed them to buyers. Federal authorities, including the DEA, FAA, U.S. Customs, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, investigated the case. The drone recorded the drug exchanges, providing critical evidence. During a search of Laney's home, law enforcement discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and multiple firearms, including untraceable 'ghost guns.' In September 2025, Laney pleaded guilty, and on April 21, 2026, he was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. The case highlights the growing misuse of drones in criminal activity and the deadly consequences of fentanyl distribution.