Zaludek

A woman accused of helping to provide fentanyl-laced heroin that resulted in the death of a Donegal Township man received a probationary sentence in Butler County Court on Thursday.

Julia L. Zaludek, 26, of Fenelton was sentenced to three to six months in Butler County Prison, but was immediately paroled and ordered to undergo 54 months county probation by Butler County Judge William Shaffer. She was also ordered to undergo 90 days electronic monitoring, comply with all recommended treatment and continue to testify truthfully in all future court proceedings.

Simquita Bridges, prosecutor for the Attorney General’s Office, which is handling the case because Zaludek’s mother, Bonnie Zaludek, works for the Butler County District Attorney’s Office, said her cooperation led to the arrest and charges against of two other individuals involved — Justin O. Newman, 28, of Brady Township, and William C. Thomas III, 32, formerly of Homestead — and played heavy in the plea and sentencing.

“She has already testified at the preliminary hearings,” Bridges said.

Zaludek on April 5 pleaded guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter after being charged with felony drug delivery resulting in death, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, as well as felony criminal use of a communications facility and the manslaughter charge in relation to the Sept. 16, 2015, death of Joshua Lee Stitt.

Zaludek’s attorney, Public Defender Joseph Smith, said while the case involves serious charges, the plea reflects her cooperation with authorities.