Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin that Resulted in the Death of a Friend

In a shocking case of heroin distribution, Joshua Scott Schellhase, a 31-year-old man from Leonardtown, Maryland, has been sentenced to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing heroin that resulted in the death of a close friend.

According to court documents, Schellhase was close friends with an individual with whom he used heroin or other opiates on a daily basis. The two would provide heroin to each other as they were able to obtain it.

On October 11, 2012, the individual contacted Schellhase by text message and agreed to give the individual some heroin that Schellhase had recently purchased. Schellhase drove to a residence in Calloway, Maryland, and gave the individual a small amount of heroin and two cigarettes. The individual ingested the heroin and about 15 minutes later was found slumped over and non-responsive by his girlfriend. Emergency medical personnel were called, but the individual died due to morphine intoxication.

The U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Schellhase to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for distribution of heroin. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Washington Field Division; and St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Leah J. Bressack, who prosecuted the case.

Schellhase’s crime is a stark reminder of the dangers of heroin distribution and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and families. The sentencing of Schellhase serves as a warning to those who would engage in similar activities, and it is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in combating the opioid epidemic.

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