Steven Jones, Heroin Distribution, New York 2018

A heroin dealer from New York has been sentenced to 200 months in prison for distributing the deadly substance that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old woman. Steven Jones, 37, of Monticello, New York, was found guilty of distributing heroin and fentanyl that led to the overdose death of Jamie Elliott, a mother of one, on June 1, 2018.

According to court documents, Jones sold fentanyl-laced heroin stamped "Dorney Park" to Elliott, who was found dead in her bedroom the following morning. An autopsy revealed that she had died from a lethal dose of fentanyl. New York State Police investigators recovered additional bags of "Dorney Park" fentanyl-laced heroin in Elliott's clothing.

Facebook Messenger messages revealed that Elliott had purchased narcotics from Jones the evening before her death. The day Elliott's death was discovered, Jones deactivated his Facebook account, but he did not stop selling dangerous drugs. Shortly before his September 2, 2018, arrest, Jones obtained 500 more glassine envelopes of heroin for sale.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the New York State Police in connection with this investigation. Williams said, "Steven Jones sold the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed Jamie Elliott, a 26-year-old mother. Even after Jones's drugs killed Jamie Elliott, he continued to peddle dangerous opioids. This senseless tragedy could have been avoided, and we will continue to seek lengthy prison terms for those who poison others and add to the death toll of the opioid epidemic."

In addition to the prison term, Jones was sentenced to three years of supervised release. The case is being handled by the Office's White Plains Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman in charge of the prosecution.

The death of Jamie Elliott was a devastating tragedy that could have been avoided. Her family and loved ones deserve justice, and it is our hope that this sentence brings them some closure. We will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who contribute to the opioid epidemic.

This case highlights the critical need for continued efforts to combat the opioid crisis. We urge everyone to be aware of the dangers of heroin and fentanyl and to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/sullivan-county-heroin-dealer-sentenced-200-months-prison-overdose-26-year-old-woman