Pennsylvania Man Found Guilty of Drug Distribution Leading to Death

A jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania has convicted Dimitris Smith Jr., 48, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 38-year-old woman. The conviction, which followed a five-day trial, also includes four counts of distributing fentanyl and cocaine. Sentencing for Smith, who was on federal supervised release at the time of these offenses for a prior drug trafficking conviction, has not yet been scheduled.

According to information from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Smith is alleged to have distributed a lethal dose of fentanyl in East Stroudsburg on December 11, 2023. The victim reportedly died after ingesting the substance. Further charges stem from Smith’s distribution of fentanyl and cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer on four separate occasions between March 14, 2024, and April 1, 2024, after the victim’s death.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence from 32 witnesses, including experts in fields such as forensic pathology, toxicology, and DNA profiling. The prosecution’s case also incorporated analysis of historical cell site data, the victim’s cell phone data and text messages, DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene, and CashApp payment records. This evidence was presented to establish Smith as the supplier of the fentanyl that caused the victim’s death. The jury found Smith guilty on all counts.

The investigation into this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. The maximum penalty for these convictions can include life imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release, and substantial fines. The final sentence will be determined by the judge, considering federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

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