Franklin County Man Sentenced On Heroin Overdose Death Related Charges

A West Frankfort, Illinois man was sentenced on March 15, 2016, to federal prison on heroin overdose death related charges, James L. Porter, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.

Erik Scott Brown, 27, of West Frankfort, IL, was sentenced to 276 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release following his imprisonment. Brown had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment.

Count 1 charged that on or about December 2, 2014, in Franklin County, Brown knowingly and intentionally distributed heroin to Steven Keith Scott, and that Mr. Scott died as a result of the use of the heroin which defendant Brown had distributed. Count 2 charges that on December 3, 2014, in Franklin County, Illinois, Brown knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute heroin.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Illinois State Police, the West City Police Department, the Benton Police Department, the West Frankfort Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The Franklin County State’s Attorney Office assisted in the investigation of this case.

The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.