NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A York County man was sentenced today to 17 years in prison for distributing heroin to two women who died from overdoses at his Seaford home and for possessing firearms and ammunition as an unlawful drug user who maintained a drug-involved premises.
According to court documents, Michael Kerlin, 53, owned a Newport News business, Dixie Fuel Company, which primarily sold propane gas to customers. Kerlin used funds derived from his business sales to purchase cocaine, cocaine base, prescription drugs, and heroin. In November 2015, Kerlin distributed heroin to a young woman at his home who subsequently died in the hospital after he called 911 and reported a person down. In May 2016, he distributed heroin to another young woman who died at his house. Rather than calling 911, he put her body into a garbage can which he transported to and left at his business.
During the investigation, it was determined that Kerlin possessed firearms and ammunition at his home where he also stored heroin and cocaine as well as other drugs.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Brian Samuels along with former Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-07.
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