A Lancaster man will serve up to 15 years for selling heroin bags – which actually contained pure fentanyl – to a West Lampeter Township woman who fatally overdosed.
James Wueschinski, 27, recently pleaded guilty to felony drug delivery resulting in death regarding the July 22, 2018, overdose incident at a home on Hollinger Road.
Wueschinski, known by the nickname “Dizzy,” will serve 5 to 15 years in prison, in accordance with a plea agreement arranged by Assistant District Attorney Barry Goldman.
Police and prosecutors determined Wueschinski was dealing for profit; he was selling on a Lancaster city block at the time of the transaction that led to the woman’s death. There was no personal relationship between Wueschinski and the victim.
In drug delivery resulting in death cases, prosecutors consider a defendant’s “dealer” status, their cooperation (or lack thereof) with police, and prior record.
The investigation involved a surviving witness who was with the victim during the purchase of heroin from Wueschinski.
Police also had cellphone evidence, including a text message Wueschinski sent indicating he sold to the victim.
West Lampeter Township police Detective Steven Heinly filed the charge. Lancaster city police Selective Enforcement Unit (SEU) assisted in the investigation.
Lancaster County Judge David Ashworth accepted the plea terms and ordered sentence.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright