Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Leads To Indictment For Highland Heights Man

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, OH - A Highland Heights man has been charged in the fatal overdose of a Cleveland teenager. According to law enforcement, the man sold furanyl fentanyl to the teen, resulting in his death.

The United States Department of Justice's Northern District of Ohio says that Alec J. Steinberger, 21, has been indicted for distributing furanyl fentanyl, distribution of Xanax, and seven counts of using a phone to facilitate the commission of a felony.

“We continue to seek long prison sentences for drug dealers who sell opioids that kill our children, friends and neighbors,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said in a statement. “Aggressive prosecution, combined with increased treatment, prevention and changes in prescribing practices are key to turning the tide on the heroin and opioid epidemic.”

According to the Department of Justice, Steinberger got Xanax and furanyl fentanly on Jan. 30, 2016. The drugs were sent to him via the mail, the DOJ says.

Steinberger allegedly sent a text message to a business partner saying, "I just got a pack bro" on Feb. 23, 206. He then told several people that he had drugs for sale, including a man the DOJ says is listed in the indictment only as L.H.

L.H. and Steinberger traded text messages throughout Feb. 24, 2016. Some of the messages reportedly included “bro I did it last night any my pupils got so small they disappeared and then I was nodding for 18 hrs,” “Bro this is uncut from the road” and “this is uncut from china,” according to the DOJ.

Steinberged also asked LH if he knew of anyone that could cut or dilute drugs and then repackage them.

A little after midnight on Feb. 25, 2016, Steinberger texted L.H. and said, “Find me customers and tell them you’re the plug and I’ll get it to you and then sell it and cut u in a tiny bit and throw u a free (Klonopin) and dope,” according to the DOJ.

On Feb. 25, 2016, L.H. fatally overdosed on furanyl fentanyl that he purchased from Steinberger, the DOJ's indictment against Steinberger says.

“Investigators of the Heroin Death Investigation Team are trained to investigate heroin overdose cases and link the victims back to the dealers,” said Cleveland Division of Police Chief Calvin D. Williams in a statement. “It is through the combined efforts of law enforcement, at the local, state and federal levels, and prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office that these indictments are secured and convictions are won. It is the hope that these examples will deter others from continuing this deadly cycle.”

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