Shannon O'Reilly Sentenced to 14 Years

Today, Shannon O'Reilly was sentenced to 14 years in the Department of Corrections for the Distribution of Fentanyl, under 4 grams, Causing Death, a class one drug felony.  The prosecution team secured her plea agreement in April 2026. 

In April 2025, Loveland Police officers responded to a residence for a welfare check and found a man who had died from a fentanyl overdose. An investigation began into who had sold the victim the fentanyl that had killed him. Eventually, it was determined that Shannon O’Reilly had sold the victim fentanyl powder. 

Ms. O’Reilly had several other previous drug charges and received many different sentences, all trying to address her addiction issues. She had previously been accepted into the Drug Court program, but absconded and never started the program. 

“This tragedy has left a lasting impact on our community and, most importantly, on Eugene’s loved ones,” said Lieutenant Heather Moore of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Loveland Police Department. “While nothing can undo such a devastating loss, the dedicated work of our investigators, the steadfast commitment of the District Attorney’s Office, and Judge Cure’s thoughtful consideration of this case reflect a collective commitment to holding those responsible accountable. We hope today’s sentencing sends a clear message to anyone who chooses to distribute these deadly substances: there are serious consequences for the lives they destroy.”

"Fentanyl has taken far too many lives in our community,” said District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin. “We remain committed to supporting those battling addiction with the resources they need, but addiction is not an excuse to kill someone else struggling. We will continue to hold those dealing deadly fentanyl fully accountable, and we hope this result will provide a sense of closure for the family. Our thoughts are with them."

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available:

SummitStone Health Partners: 970-494-4200

Colorado Opioid Synergy Larimer & Weld (CO-SLAW): 1-844-944-7529

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-487-4889

Connect Effect Colorado: www.connecteffectc.org/parents

Facing Fentanyl: www.facingfentanylnow.org