Westmoreland County Man Charged with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death

PITTSBURGH – A Westmoreland County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, resulting in an overdose death and with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment, returned on June 6, named Jarrel Williams, age 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on Jan. 17, 2017, Williams possessed with intent to distribute and distributed a quantity of fentanyl, which resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of an individual, identified only as M.S. Count two of the indictment alleges that, on Jan. 19, 2017, Williams distributed or possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rachael L. Dizard is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, West Leechburg Police, Allegheny Township Police, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.