local
Ex-Texas Tech professor admits to running fentanyl ring, trading drugs for sex, documents say
By Amber Kite at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
Former Texas Tech assistant professor Daniel Taylor pleaded guilty to running a sophisticated fentanyl network that traded drugs for sex and caused eight overdoses.
Why this matters in Denton News
The guilty plea of a former Texas Tech assistant professor to running a fentanyl ring has significant implications for the North Texas community, particularly in Denton County. As the Dallas-Fort Worth area continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic, this case highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between local law enforcement and educational institutions. The fact that a university professor was able to operate a sophisticated drug network, trading fentanyl for sex, raises concerns about the potential for similar operations in other parts of the region. With eight overdoses attributed to this ring, the human cost of this crime is starkly evident. As Denton County residents, it is crucial to recognize the threat that fentanyl poses and to support efforts to combat its distribution and use in our community. The connection between educational institutions and local law enforcement will be crucial in preventing similar cases in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Denton News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more Denton News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former Texas Tech assistant professor Daniel Taylor pleaded guilty to running a sophisticated fentanyl network that traded drugs for sex and caused eight overdoses.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) and curated for Denton News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth). To learn more about how Denton News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Denton News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter