A Somerset man pleaded guilty on April 26 to distributing fentanyl and heroin that resulted in a victim's death, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said.
Thomas Kane Miller, age 41, admitted before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. The charges stem from incidents in October 2022, December 2022, and January 2023 across Somerset County and Middlesex County.
Frazer said: “Trafficking fentanyl and heroin can have deadly consequences and remains among the most serious crimes we prosecute. This defendant chose to traffic in deadly drugs, and that choice cost a life—today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to hold accountable those who bring this poison into our communities and to pursue justice for the victims and families left behind.”
Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, which may be served consecutively. Each also includes a potential fine of $1 million as well as supervised release following imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the DEA Strike Force New York Task Force Division along with members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office under Prosecutor John P. McDonald, as well as members of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office under Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano (Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit) and Benjamin Levin (Chief of the Cybercrime Unit) are representing the government.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey prosecutes federal crimes statewide—including cases involving drug trafficking—and represents the United States in civil matters across New Jersey; it operates offices in Newark, Trenton, and Camden with about 170 attorneys and support staff coordinating law enforcement efforts throughout the state according to its official website.
