Harrisburg man allegedly smuggled drugs that led to inmate’s overdose death

George Stockburger
·1 min read

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – A Harrisburg man has been charged for allegedly smuggling drugs into the Dauphin County Prison that led to the death of an inmate earlier this year.

The Dauphin County District Attorney’s office says Richard Weikel is facing charges including drug delivery resulting in death after he allegedly brought fentanyl he believed was heroin into the Dauphin County Prison.

Dauphin County Prison inmate found deceased

The district attorney’s office says Weikel hid the drugs in his shoe and provided it to Michael Butler, a fellow inmate who later died of an overdose.

According to charging documents, Weikel tested positive for fentanyl after inmates were searched and urinalysis tests were conducted. Officials say Weikel admitted to providing Butler with the drugs and flushing the remaining evidence down the toilet.

Dauphin County Prison has instituted new methods to prevent smuggling items using shoes as a result of this incident.

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