A now-former Texas Tech University assistant professor and two Lubbock residents have been charged in federal court in connection with what authorities describe as a fentanyl distribution conspiracy operating in the Northern District of Texas. The criminal complaint was filed February 18, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Prosecutors allege the three individuals conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Daniel Taylor, 50, of Lubbock, is identified in court records as being employed at the time as an assistant professor of marketing and supply chain management at Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business. He is no longer employed by the university. Also charged in the complaint are Alisha Red-Eagle, 21, and Mackenzie Gilcrease, 28, both of Lubbock.

Investigation and Surveillance

According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, investigators began receiving information in June 2025 from a confidential source who reported that a Texas Tech professor known as “Dan” was distributing fentanyl powder in the Lubbock area . Authorities later confirmed Taylor’s identity and employment status at the time and identified his residence in Lubbock . The affidavit states that surveillance operations were conducted during August and September 2025, and in January 2026 agents obtained court authorization to place a GPS tracking device on Taylor’s vehicle.

On January 12, 2026, investigators observed Taylor travel to a Circle K convenience store in Lubbock. Surveillance officers reported seeing a woman exit Taylor’s vehicle and enter a white SUV after briefly meeting with him . A Lubbock County Sheriff’s deputy later conducted a traffic stop on that SUV for a traffic violation.

During the stop, occupants of the SUV told deputies that a male passenger in the back seat was overdosing. Narcan was administered at the scene, and emergency medical services transported the individual to University Medical Center. Deputies reported locating fentanyl pills, suspected fentanyl powder in clear and pink baggies, and aluminum foil containing residue during a search of the vehicle, and laboratory testing later confirmed the presence of fentanyl.

Alleged Drug Variations and February Arrests

The affidavit states that cooperating sources told investigators Taylor distributed two variations of fentanyl powder referred to as “Pink Flamingo” and “Ghost.” According to the filing, one variation was allegedly packaged in pink bags bearing a flamingo graphic . Authorities contend these markings were part of how the product was identified and distributed.

On February 17, 2026, investigators again conducted surveillance at Taylor’s residence . That evening, authorities stopped a GMC pickup driven by Mackenzie Gilcrease after a traffic violation. After a K-9 alerted to the vehicle, deputies conducted a search and reported finding suspected methamphetamine and three pink plastic baggies containing suspected fentanyl inside a pink envelope bearing a flamingo graphic . Officers reported the suspected fentanyl weighed approximately 8.8 grams.

Shortly before midnight, a Lubbock County district judge signed a search warrant for Taylor’s apartment. In the early morning hours of February 18, deputies executed the warrant and reported locating multiple plastic baggies and containers containing white powder and crystal-like substances . Field tests indicated the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and investigators later reported that one baggie of fentanyl had a gross weight of approximately 55 grams.

Federal Response and Court Proceedings

United States Attorney Ryan Raybould stated that federal prosecutors will pursue drug trafficking cases regardless of profession or status. DEA Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker stated that fentanyl trafficking remains one of the most serious public safety threats facing communities and emphasized that the alleged conduct is not reflective of Texas Tech University as an institution.

All three individuals appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge in Lubbock for initial appearances and remain in federal custody pending further court proceedings. If convicted, each faces a statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. A criminal complaint is an allegation of criminal conduct and not evidence, and all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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