A Somerset County man has been indicted on charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and heroin, which allegedly resulted in a victim’s death. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced that Thomas Kane Miller, 40, faces multiple charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and a fentanyl precursor (4-ANPP), as well as distribution of these substances resulting in death.
Miller is scheduled for his initial court appearance and arraignment on June 30, 2025, before Judge Robert Kirsch at the Trenton federal court.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated: “The fentanyl epidemic has devastated communities across the country. Too many lives have been lost, too many families have been broken. This poison has no place on our streets. This office is unwavering in its pursuit of justice and will relentlessly hold accountable anyone who traffics fentanyl or other deadly drugs in New Jersey — ensuring they face the full weight of the law for the destruction they cause.”
DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino commented: “Today’s indictment against Thomas Miller reflects the determination the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those individuals who continue to poison our communities with fentanyl.” He emphasized that “Mr. Miller’s victim was more than just another statistic; it’s a life cut short by greed.”
Michael Alfonso from Homeland Security Investigations New York remarked: “This tragic loss of life is a stark reminder fentanyl-related deaths continue to plague our communities.”
According to case documents and court statements, Miller distributed a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin in October 2022 to an individual who died from using it. The deceased was found at a residence in Plainfield, New Jersey, with two wax folds containing these substances linked back to Miller through unique stamps.
In addition to this incident, approximately ten days prior to the victim’s death, Miller was reportedly found with similar stamped wax folds containing illegal substances. He also allegedly distributed drugs on two other occasions between December 2022 and January 2023 within Middlesex and Somerset Counties.
If convicted of drug distribution resulting in death, Miller faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment along with potential fines reaching $1 million.
The investigation involved collaboration between special agents from several agencies including DEA New York Strike Force under Frank A. Tarentino III; HSI New York under Michael Alfonso; Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office led by John P. McDonald; Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office led by Yolanda Ciccone; all partaking within an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling significant criminal networks involved in drug trafficking among other crimes.
Assistant U.S Attorney Katherine M Romano represents the government case regarding this matter while Timothy Donahue Esq., alongside Michael Alexander Thomas Esq., serves as defense counsel for Mr.Miller.
It should be noted that charges contained within indictments are accusations pending legal proceedings where defendants remain presumed innocent until proven otherwise through due process standards upheld across judicial systems nationwide.
