Kalous Heidi, Heroin And Fentanyl Trafficking, Florida 2019

Tampa, Florida Woman's Guilty Plea Sparks Fears of Opioid Epidemic

A 39-year-old woman from Dunedin, Florida, has pleaded guilty to conspiring and distributing a substance that contained a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, causing the death of an individual. Heidi Kalous (39, Dunedin) faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the plea agreement, between June 5, 2019, and June 28, 2019, Kalous conspired with other individuals to possess and distribute heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl throughout Pinellas County.

On June 5, 2019, Kalous distributed two bags, which contained a substance composed of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, to an individual. The individual injected himself with the substance from the bags and died. A medical autopsy revealed that the cause of death was an accidental overdose caused by fentanyl toxicity.

Between June 5 and June 27, 2019, after the individual’s death, Kalous continued to distribute narcotics, including crack cocaine, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, and heroin, out of a motel in Dunedin.

This case is part of the Middle District of Florida’s anti-opioid strategy to combat opioid trafficking and abuse. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Kalous’s guilty plea has sparked fears of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the region. The case highlights the need for continued efforts to combat opioid trafficking and abuse. The investigation and prosecution of cases like Kalous’s will help to bring relief to affected communities.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Heidi Kalous

Criminal Charges: Conspiring and distributing a substance that contained a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, causing the death of an individual

City and State: Tampa, Florida

Exact Date: June 5, 2019

Sentence or Outcome: Facing a maximum penalty of life in federal prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/dunedin-woman-pleads-guilty-distributing-heroin-and-fentanyl-causing-death