Cambria county man sentenced for drug trafficking connected to child's death

HARRISBURG, PA – A Cambria County man, Albert Spicer, 36, has been sentenced to 13 to 30 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking activities that led to the tragic death of a 5-year-old girl. Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the sentencing, which took place on Tuesday.

Spicer, described by Cambria County Judge Norman A. Krumenacker as a “career drug dealer,” pleaded guilty to four counts of possession with intent to deliver among other related charges. His criminal activities included selling fentanyl, a substance that has caused widespread devastation in communities. This incident marks Spicer’s seventh drug-dealing conviction, with his criminal record beginning at the age of 17.

The case came to light following the October 2022 death of Alaia Young, a 5-year-old who fatally overdosed after ingesting fentanyl that her mother, supplied by Spicer, brought home. Spicer, who was on parole at the time, was one of three people charged in connection with the child’s death and a broader investigation into his drug dealings.

Attorney General Henry emphasized the severe impact of Spicer’s actions, stating, “This defendant is the stem that caused an unthinkable tragedy — the death of a purely innocent five-year-old girl. His drug trafficking days have lasted long enough, and this sentence will ensure it will be many years before he can possibly pose another risk to society.”

The child’s mother, Volaura Askew, has also been sentenced to 2 to 4 years in state prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and related charges. Meanwhile, Elyse Young, identified as Spicer’s girlfriend, faces charges for allowing her residence to be used by Spicer as a stash house, with her case still pending.

The investigation was carried out by the 49th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, with assistance from the Office of Attorney General and the Johnstown Police Department.

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