Antonella Barba, a 32-year-old former contestant of American Idol Season 6 who made it to the top 16, was sentenced to 45 months in prison.
She was found to be in “possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of the substance.” Antonella pleaded guilty for these charges back in July.
The Truth About a Former American Idol Contestant’s Drug Charges
In October of 2018, Antonella was involved in a drug bust that took place in Virginia where the police suspected a California man, Justin Michael Isaac, to be the source of the large quantities of cocaine and heroin that were being distributed. The police listened in on a phone call where they heard Isaac saying that he was going to be sending a woman to deliver these drugs.Once they learned this information, law enforcement approached a rental car where Barba was sitting in when a drug dog alerted the authorities and they proceeded to search the vehicle. Found on the flood of the passenger side was a closed shoebox. When the box was opened, the police found a “rock-like white substance.” This was later determined to be fentanyl, and the total weight of the drug was 830.9 grams.
Upon hearing her charge, Barba’s family and friends have said that fame at a young age and her move to Hollywood after American Idol were “a recipe for disaster.”
Avoiding the Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids as the drug can cause overdose symptoms within minutes. Fentanyl overdose symptoms can happen quickly, and using Narcan can be the fastest way to reverse the overdose effects.If you or a loved one is addicted to fentanyl, there is hope for recovery. Treatment methods typically include medically managed detox, followed by ongoing therapy and rehabilitation programs.
Contact Banyan Treatment Centers to learn more about the unique programs and therapies we offer for addiction treatment. Call 888-966-9413 today.
Image Credit:
- Norfold Sheriff's Office
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.
