Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Drugs That Killed Bucks County Inmate

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A 31-year-old man was sentenced on Tuesday to seven to 20 years for providing the drugs that led to the overdose death of an inmate at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

Allen Rhoades pleaded guilty to drug delivery resulting in death, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and possession of contraband. He also entered pleas in four other cases.

Joshua Patterson, 22, of Philadelphia, was pronounced dead on Aug. 1, 2022, days after he was found unresponsive and not breathing in his cell. An autopsy by the Bucks County Coroner's Office determined that his death was a result of complications from fentanyl intoxication.

An investigation by the Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force Bucks County Department of Corrections Investigation Unit found that Rhoades smuggled fentanyl and methamphetamine into the Bucks County Correctional Facility after he was taken into custody for outstanding warrants by state police following a traffic stop on July 25, 2022, on Interstate 95 in Bensalem Township.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed hours of surveillance footage and interviewed several witnesses. Their investigation found that Rhoades sold drugs or traded them for food and other commissary items to inmates, including Patterson.

During a search of Rhoades’ cell, investigators found eight bundles (123 wax bags) of suspected heroin and nine bags of methamphetamine.

After Patterson’s death, jail investigators searched his cell and found a clear bag and a homemade straw. Powder on those items tested positive for fentanyl.

Before sentencing, relatives, including the mother of Joshua Patterson, spoke before President Judge Raymond F. McHugh on how his loss has impacted them.

In addition to the state prison sentence, McHugh sentenced Rhoades to 10 years of probation and ordered him to pay $3,000 in restitution.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Thomas C. Gannon.