LAKE TOWNSHIP – A Pittsburgh woman has been charged with supplying the drugs that lead to a woman’s overdose death in Lake Township more than a year ago.
State police from the Mercer Barracks charged Tanea Rashett Jefferson, 45, of 2129 Perrysville Ave., Apartment 2, Pittsburgh, with drug delivery resulting in death, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and recklessly endangering another person.
Jefferson’s case stemmed from the case involving Leonard Robert Friedman, 44, of 120 Strausser Road, Lake Township. Friedman is awaiting sentencing later Jan. 29 after pleaded guilty Dec. 16 to drug delivery resulting in death. Under a plea deal, he is expected to be sentenced to 2 to 5 years in state prison.
Police said Friedman had a suicide pact with the victim, a woman. Both took drugs at his residence on Sept. 27, 2024. Friedman survived, while the victim died of an overdose.
Police said phone conversations and jail records of Jefferson’s husband revealed Jefferson as the person who sold the drugs to Friedman, which resulted in the woman’s death. Police also said Friedman confirmed Jefferson sold him the drugs and that her husband, who is incarcerated, is his original dealer.
Police said Friedman also acknowledged the drugs contained xylazine and fentanyl.
Jefferson is set to appear in court Jan. 21 for her preliminary hearing.