A North East man faces criminal charges for his alleged involvement in a fatal overdose that claimed the life of another North East resident.
Pennsylvania State Police in Erie responded to a home in the 10000 block of West Main Road on April 10, where they discovered the body of 31-year-old Sarah McQuister. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police located various drugs, drug paraphernalia, and McQuister’s cell phone at the residence. However, investigators found no evidence on the phone suggesting she had purchased drugs.
According to the criminal complaint, authorities later determined McQuister had obtained the drugs from 37-year-old Jonathan Klaes, also of North East.
Klaes reportedly confessed to selling McQuister heroin and fentanyl on April 9. The deal was allegedly arranged via Facebook Messenger. She later overdosed on the drugs.
Klaes now faces multiple charges, including felony drug delivery resulting in death, criminal use of a communication facility, and possession with intent to manufacture or deliver. He also faces misdemeanor charges for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
District Judge Denise M. Buell arraigned Klaes, who is currently held at Erie County Prison on $100,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing before District Justice Scott Hammer is scheduled for April 24.
