Lang
10/25/24
A new law could mean triple the potential sentence for a Solon man accused of providing the drugs that caused a man’s overdose death in Coralville.
35-year-old Jerome Smith of Piper Lane is accused of providing fentanyl to a 21-year-old who was found dead at a 4th Avenue residence on October 2nd. Phone records and information from witnesses indicated Smith sold the victim four fentanyl pills the day he died.
Coralville Police set up a fake drug deal with Smith, who allegedly tried to flee when he arrived at the predetermined location. Police say Smith had in his possession a Ruger pistol with a loaded magazine, a large amount of cash, and approximately 3 ½ ounces of cocaine. Smith was charged with being a Felon in Control of a Weapon, a Controlled Substance Violation, and Interference with Official Acts Involving a Firearm. If convicted on all those counts, Smith could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
On Tuesday, a charge of Delivery of Controlled Substance Causing Death was added. That’s a Class C Felony normally punishable by a maximum of ten years in prison. But the Johnson County Attorney’s Office says a new law enacted last year provides enhanced penalties for causing another person’s death, meaning that sentence could be tripled to 30 years behind bars.
The attorney’s office also says Smith faces an additional charge of Tampering with a Witness for repeatedly threatening a witness in the case. Tampering with a Witness is a Class D Felony punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.
Smith is being held on $185,000 bond.