Mesa police use new state law to arrest suspect for deadly drug overdose

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) -- Mesa officials have made a significant drug-related arrest leveraging a recently passed state law, marking the first application of this legislation. The arrest involves Cruzita Leon, 34, who faces multiple felony charges linked to the overdose death of 49-year-old Todd Gordon due to fentanyl. This new law, effective since November 2022, classifies the sale of fentanyl resulting in death as a class 2 felony.

Gordon was discovered unconscious on November 27 at a residence on Emlita Avenue. After being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his condition on December 1, with investigators confirming his cause of death as a fentanyl overdose. Evidence from police indicates that Leon was connected to Gordon through text messages discussing a fentanyl transaction on the day he was found.

Court documents reveal that Gordon had arranged to purchase five grams of fentanyl powder from Leon for $330. He reportedly visited her location to acquire the drugs and returned home around 9:30 p.m. before being found unconscious in his own driveway. Investigators tracked their phones, confirming they were together at Leon's residence earlier that evening.

In prior months, Leon had also been involved in selling fentanyl to undercover officers, demonstrating a pattern of illegal activity. Her arrest took place on Wednesday in the Phoenix area, where she was taken into custody on multiple felony charges.

Leon is currently being held in jail with a bond set at $500,000. Following her arrest, she chose not to engage with law enforcement during questioning, as the investigation into her activities continues.