She was part of a major heroin & fentanyl distribution operation.
Frederick, Md (KM). A high volume heroin dealer was given a stiff sentence on Wednesday. Alexandra Kastner, 28, received a 15-year sentence for conspiring to distribute heroin, and distribution of heroin. “We were very, very happy with that sentence,” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. “It’s tough to get real long term sentences for heroin dealers, but we were successful on Ms. Kastner.”
Kastner pleaded guilty on November to conspiracy to distribute heroin, and distribution of heroin.
The charges came from an investigation launched in the spring of 2016 by the Frederick Police, the Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, which included wiretaps. “We were able to basically learn a whole lot about her drug trafficking operations, which also, we believe, were part of several fatal and non-fatal heroin overdoses in Frederick and Washington Counties,” Smith says.
“Her attorney tried to say she was dealing to support her own addiction to heroin, which we do have cases like that and we treat those differently,” says Smith. “But our understanding based upon what she had to say was that she was strictly dealing. She was just in it for profit. There was no indication from our investigation that she was an addict.”
During sentencing, the Judge told Kastner she was before the Court not because she was an addict, but she “selling poison that kills people.”
In addition to the 15-years in prison, Kastner will be placed on three-years of supervised probation after she’s released, and must pay a $2,000 fine.
Smith says Kastner received 40 years with all but 15-years suspended.
The State’s Attorney’s Office says 13 individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. Almost all of those cases have been resolved. Kastner’s co-defendant Colby Lewis’ case is pending. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 12th, 2017.
By Kevin McManus