PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Justin Kromer, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 30, 2016, Kromer possessed and distributed stamp bags marked with "Block Party" and containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to an individual with the initials J.W. On March 30, 2016, J.W. overdosed and died from using the controlled substances. As part of his guilty plea, Kromer accepted responsibility for causing J.W.’s death..
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Nov. 28, 2018 at 9:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Judge continued Kromer’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Offices of the District Attorneys of Allegheny and Indiana Counties, the Indiana County Drug Task Force, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kromer.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
