Former Boonsboro Resident Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Prescription Drugs to High School Students
One Student Dies After Receiving Drugs from Defendant
Baltimore, Maryland - Kathleen Ann Harris, age 39, of Olney, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, resulting in the death of a juvenile, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in 2006, Kathleen Ann Harris and a co-conspirator began selling prescription drugs including methadone and various brands of oxycodone and hydrocodone. Harris was able to obtain the drugs because she had medical problems that allowed her to get prescriptions from physicians, who were unaware that she intended to sell the drugs. Among the customers of Harris and her coconspirator were a group of high school students in western Maryland. For approximately six months, Harris’ co-conspirator sold the drugs he obtained from Harris to the student H.A., and H.A.’s associates, as well as other customers. On July 25, 2007, Harris and her co-conspirator went to the student H.A.’s residence to sell H.A. drugs. Harris and her co-conspirator consumed alcohol while there. Harris handed the student H.A. a quantity of methadone pills from her purse and received cash from H.A. The student H.A. died in bed late that night or the following day. According to the medical examiner’s report, the student H.A. died of methadone and alcohol intoxication.
Harris faces a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz has not scheduled a date for sentencing.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maryland State Police, the Washington County Narcotics Task Force and Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore and his office for their investigative work. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorney Robert Harding, who is prosecuting the case.
