Sean M. Hess, who earlier this month admitted his involvement in the November 2014 drug-related death of a North Manheim Township man, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court to another drug-related crime.
Hess, 24, of Auburn, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia.
Judge James P. Goodman accepted Hess’ plea and, pursuant to agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend 12 months on probation and pay costs and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund. Goodman made the probation concurrent with Hess’ Berks County sentence.
Hess said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood the consequences of his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.
Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Hess with possessing needles on Aug. 5, 2015, in the borough.
The consequences of Hess’ Berks County case were far more serious.
Hess and Kaitlin S. Leibensperger, 23, of Auburn, each pleaded guilty on May 6 before Berks County Judge Patrick T. Barrett to involuntary manslaughter and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.
Barrett promptly sentenced Hess to serve 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison and an additional 13 years probation, and Leibensperger to spend one to two years in a state correctional institution and an additional 13 years probation.
Prosecutors withdrew charges of drug delivery resulting in death, hindering apprehension, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, recklessly endangering another person, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance against Hess and Leibensperger.
State police at Frackville charged Hess and Leibensperger with possessing the heroin with the intent to deliver it to Joseph Deleon, 19, on Nov. 20, 2014, in Fleetwood.
Police said Hess provided Deleon with the heroin and Leibensperger gave him a needle to inject it. Deleon passed out after using the heroin, and was driven to Landingville, where Hess, Leibensperger and James Lyons, formerly of Schuylkill Haven, left him, according to police.
Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler pronounced Deleon dead at 4:11 p.m. at the scene.