Three Alle-Kiski Residents Charged in Drug Death

Demetrius Houser (left), of Arnold, and Kristy Sue Guzzi, of Leechburg were two of the three charged with Christina Donati-Racioppo’s death due to a deadly mix of heroin and the narcotic Fentanyl in January 2014. (submitted photos)

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced charges against three Armstrong County residents in an ongoing investigation into fentanyl-laced heroin that killed 22 in Western Pennsylvania last year.

“My office created a task force with Westmoreland County law enforcement in a partnership to fight heroin trafficking because it is destroying neighborhoods and communities,” Attorney General Kane said. “We are using every resource we have to protect Pennsylvanians from heroin abuse, which destroys lives and families.”

The bag of heroin that killed Christina Donati-Racioppo of Lower Burrell, January 22, 2014 was stamped “Theraflu,” one of the stamps Attorney General Kane’s office found to contain a deadly mix of heroin and the narcotic Fentanyl.

Demetrius Houser, 19, of Arnold, Kristy Guzzi, 31 of Leechburg, and
Derek Miller, 32 of Apollo are each charged with Donati-Racioppo’s death.

All three defendants face one count each of delivery resulting in death; possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; and criminal use of a communication facility.

Attorney General Kane thanked the Lower Burrell Police Department for its assistance with the investigation and Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck’s office, which is prosecuting the cases.

The Westmoreland County OCDETF project has been active since the spring of 2013 and was developed to target heroin and prescription drug distribution throughout Westmoreland and surrounding counties.

Attorney General Kane’s commitment to the partnership, which includes dozens of law enforcement agencies in Allegheny, Fayette and Cambria counties, has resulted in 362 arrests.

Individuals who have witnessed a drug deal in their neighborhood or suspect illegal drug activity where they live or work can send an anonymous tip to the Office of Attorney General by texting PADRUGS + YOUR TIP to 847411.

 

categories Regional News | March 2, 2015