Woman Admits To Drug Charges After Englishtown Overdose Death

ENGLISHTOWN, NJ — A Trenton woman pleaded guilty last week to fentanyl distribution charges related to the overdose death of another woman from Englishtown, according to the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Tarashanna Blake, 33, sold the 39-year-old victim a substance that was packaged like heroin but was in reality fentanyl, which is a much more potent drug, according to the Attorney’s Office.

The victim contacted Blake back in May 15, 2018, and asked to buy heroin, court documents say. The two discussed the "brand" and price of heroin and agreed to meet.

Later that day, Englishtown police responded to a report of an overdose death. They found the victim with several wax folds of suspected heroin stamped “CAMEL”.

Laboratory analysis later showed that the substance in those wax folds was fentanyl. The victim's autopsy further showed that her cause of death was acute fentanyl toxicity.

Blake had been charged with one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Because the offense resulted in death, she is also subject to significant sentencing enhancements.

Her sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 3.