A Penn Township woman was convicted at trial this week of providing a bundle of fentanyl-laced heroin to a 48-year-old Manheim man who died in 2017.
A Lancaster County jury deliberated 15 minutes before convicting 57-year-old Justina Heisey of three felonies: drug delivery resulting in death, conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility (cellphone).
Assistant District Attorney Barry Goldman presented evidence at the trial showing Heisey obtained the fentanyl-laced heroin – stamped “Cloud 9” – in Philadelphia, then sold a bundle to the victim on Dec. 15, 2017.
Testimony, closing arguments and charge instructions finished just before noon Thursday. Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn Jr. told the jurors to begin deliberations at 1 p.m., after taking a lunch break. The panel decided the case by 1:15 p.m., according to Goldman.
Heisey is at Lancaster County Prison and will be sentenced after a background investigation is completed in a couple months.
Goldman presented testimony from police investigators, a forensic pathologist who determined cause of death, and a close acquaintance of Heisey who was aware of the transaction.
An hour before the victim died, he sent a text message about the quality of the batch and a text to Heisey thanking her for providing it, according to testimony.
Also, in a recorded phone call from prison, Heisey repeatedly told a family member, “I was wrong,” according to testimony.
Northern Lancaster County Regional police Detective Theresa Stauffer filed charges and testified about her investigation.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright