TRENTON, N.J. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - New Jersey), published as received.

TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset man admitted to distributing fentanyl and heroin that led to the death of a victim, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.

Thomas Kane Miller, 41, of Somerset, New Jersey pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to a superseding information charging him with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In October 2022, in Somerset County, Miller distributed a substance containing fentanyl and heroin to a person who died as a result of using the substance. He also distributed fentanyl and heroin in Somerset County and Middlesex County on two other occasions in December 2022 and January 2023.

“Trafficking fentanyl and heroin can have deadly consequences and remains among the most serious crimes we prosecute. This defendant chose to traffic in deadly drugs, and that choice cost a life—today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to hold accountable those who bring this poison into our communities and to pursue justice for the victims and families left behind.”

- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer

Each of the three counts of drug distribution carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.  The sentences on each count may run consecutively.  Each count also carries a potential fine of $1 million, and the defendant must be sentenced to a term of supervised release after any term of imprisonment imposed.  Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the DEA Strike Force, New York Task Force Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts, and members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John P. McDonald, and members of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano, Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 

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Defense counsel: Aidan P. O’Connor, Esq.