Dealing Drugs Could Get You Locked Up for Manslaughter

A 23-year-old Atlantic City, NJ man recently pleaded guilty to manslaughter and drug distribution in the drug overdose death of an Ocean County, NJ man. The prosecutor indicated in a news release that the defendant could be sentenced to seven years in NJ State Prison on the manslaughter charge and four years in state prison on the heroin distribution charge.

The defendant had been charged with the crimes after the 26-year-old victim was found unresponsive in his red Hyundai Genesis on Starboard Avenue in Barnegat, NJ. When law enforcement investigated the scene and conducted a search of the vehicle, they found four bags of heroin inside the car.

A subsequent investigation into the death led police to Atlantic City, where the victim had traveled just a day before his death to buy heroin. According to the prosecutor in the case, a police sting operation later turned up evidence linking the defendant to the heroin sale.

Two months after police began investigating, the defendant was indicted. He has now decided to plead guilty to the charges. The defendant is scheduled to return to Ocean County Superior Court in Toms River, NJ on July 15 for sentencing.

If you or someone you know is facing charges for drug possession or distribution, contact the Atlantic City, NJ Law Offices of John W. Tumelty for experienced representation.