FOLSOM, CA — “On May 28th 2025, in a historic ruling at the Sacramento County Superior Court, Ruslan Kochkin, 36, of Folsom pled guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for providing the fatal dose of fentanyl that claimed the life of a 30-year-old man on Sutter Street in January last year.
This marks the first time in Sacramento County history that a drug dealer has been convicted and sentenced for a fentanyl-related homicide—a milestone, officials said.
Back on January 19, 2024, Folsom Police Officers and Fire personnel responded to the tragic overdose. Despite the administration of life-saving Narcan, the victim could not be revived. From that moment on, our Special Investigations Unit (SIU) worked tirelessly to identify and arrest the person responsible.
Their relentless investigation led to the arrest of Kochkin, who was found in possession of an ounce of fentanyl and an ounce of methamphetamine. Our SIU Detectives are committed to keeping Folsom safe from narcotics and the inherent dangers associated with drug sales. We are proud to be able to bring closure to this family and show drug dealers that we will not tolerate the sale of poison in our community.
This is more than just a conviction—it’s a message:
💥 We will hold drug dealers accountable for the lives they take.
💥 We will not let fentanyl destroy our community.
💥 And we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of every victim.
If you believe there is illegal drug activity in your neighborhood and would like to provide that information to us, please submit your tips on our tip line at (916) 930-1098.
Fentanyl is killing people across the country and here in Folsom. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please reach out. There is help, and there is hope.
All investigative inquiries to this case, please contact Lt Dave Canepa at dcanepa@folsom.ca.us or 916-461-6465.”
