A former Texas Tech University professor has pleaded guilty to his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy after admitting he used his expertise in supply chain management to build and operate a drug distribution network in Lubbock, federal prosecutors announced.
Daniel Taylor, 51, pleaded guilty on July 1 to conspiring to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl. He was charged in February 2026 with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, Taylor was employed as an assistant professor of marketing and supply chain management at Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business throughout the conspiracy. Court documents state that Taylor admitted his educational background and professional expertise helped further the drug trafficking operation.
“This defendant exploited the knowledge and credibility he gained as a university professor to build a fentanyl trafficking operation that put lives at risk throughout the Lubbock community,” DEA Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker said in a statement. “DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for distributing fentanyl, and we will continue pursuing those who profit from this deadly poison.”
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould alleged Taylor also exploited vulnerable women as part of the operation.
“Taylor utilized his education and background in supply chain management to build and operate his own supply chain of dangerous narcotics in the Lubbock area, primarily dealing out of the Executive Inn,” Raybould said. “With his pink flamingo and ghost branding of fentanyl, he also drugged prostitutes to fuel his own sexual desires. I expect — and we will certainly be asking for — a severe prison sentence to hold him accountable for the harm he caused our community.”
Investigation Began in 2025
Federal authorities said agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Caprock High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force launched their investigation in June 2025 after receiving information that a Texas Tech professor known as “Dan” was distributing fentanyl powder in Lubbock.
Investigators later placed a GPS tracking device on Taylor’s vehicle after obtaining a court order.
On January 12, 2026, agents said they observed Taylor meet briefly with a woman at a convenience store after previously picking her up at the Executive Inn. Authorities believed they had witnessed a drug transaction and conducted a traffic stop on the woman’s vehicle.
During the stop, deputies learned a male passenger in the vehicle was suffering from a drug overdose. The victim was transported to University Medical Center in Lubbock, where the person required intubation for approximately three days. According to court documents, the treating physician determined the individual was experiencing life-threatening opioid toxicity.
Investigators said Taylor had supplied the woman with two types of fentanyl powder before the overdose: a white powder marketed as “ghost” and a pink powder branded as “pink flamingo.” Laboratory testing determined the pink substance contained fentanyl mixed with bromazolam, a powerful benzodiazepine.
Search Uncovered Drug Packaging Operation
Authorities executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence on February 17, 2026, after investigators observed another woman leaving his home with fentanyl powder.
According to prosecutors, agents discovered a drug packaging station equipped with a heat sealer, plastic baggies, and a handwritten recipe describing how to manufacture “pink flamingo” by combining “ghost” fentanyl with bromazolam.
Investigators also recovered fentanyl, bromazolam, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA, along with flamingo-themed stickers, keychains, and packaging materials allegedly used to brand the narcotics.
Federal prosecutors said Taylor concealed drugs inside snack and candy packaging that was heat-sealed to appear unopened.
Prosecutors Allege Drugs Were Exchanged for Sex
Court documents allege Taylor supplied fentanyl and other drugs to prostitutes in exchange for sex over a period of at least two years.
According to prosecutors, cooperating witnesses told investigators that women arranged meetings with Taylor through text messaging applications. After arriving at his residence, they allegedly consumed narcotics provided by Taylor before showering, changing into lingerie supplied in gift baskets, and posing for photographs before engaging in sexual activity.
Authorities said Taylor then provided the women with additional fentanyl and, in some cases, cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA before they left.
Taylor admitted distributing fentanyl to three prostitutes several times each week and acknowledged selling “pink flamingo” fentanyl for approximately eight months, according to court records.
Prosecutors said Taylor referred to the women as his “flamingo fam” and planned to purchase a home where they would all live together.
Multiple Overdoses Linked to Operation
Federal prosecutors said Taylor admitted his fentanyl distribution resulted in at least eight overdoses.
According to court documents, confidential sources reported several overdose victims required Narcan after consuming fentanyl supplied by Taylor. In one instance, prosecutors said Taylor administered two doses of Narcan to revive a woman who overdosed inside his home.
Authorities also recovered a cellphone video allegedly showing an overdose victim near drug paraphernalia, including packaging bearing Taylor’s flamingo branding.
Sentencing Pending
Taylor remains in federal custody pending sentencing before U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.
He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $5 million.
The investigation was conducted by the Texas Anti-Gang Center and the Caprock High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, with assistance from the DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, and Lubbock Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt is prosecuting the case.
Provided by Dallas Express
