Montco Man Sentenced To Decades In Prison For Fatal Drug Deal

POTTSTOWN, PA — A Pottstown man could spend nearly half a century behind bars after being sentenced in connection with a drug deal that led to a fatal overdose last year.

Ronald Purvis, 33, sold heroin to the victim, who promptly overdosed, authorities said. He then embarked on cover-up process of destroying evidence and moving the man's body as his life slipped away.

Judge Risa Vetri Ferman handed down the sentence of 18 to 47 years behind bars on Friday. Purvis was convicted on counts of drug delivery resulting in death, abusing a corpse, destroying evidence, and related counts.

"(These were) actions that were untaken with malice and without regard for human life," Ferman said in court.

The incident occurred on March 30, 2017 at Purvis' apartment in an East High Street building, according to the DA's Office.

The victim, 29-year-old Sanatoga resident Kevin High, came to Purvis' dwelling. Purvis sold him both heroin and methamphetamine, the DA said.

High ingested both and immediately showed signs of overdose. Purvis and a neighbor then carried High into the hallway of the apartment building, where High later died, according to authorities.

Purvis then set about destroying videotapes and other evidence before finally calling 911, police said.

Image via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office