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WILKES-BARRE — The Dallas man accused of giving drugs to a woman that led to her overdose death pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday.
David Haines, 30, allegedly supplied Gale Avery with heroin that had been cut with fentanyl.
Avery was pronounced dead June 19 in a Dallas Township home, with her autopsy confirming she died of the combined effects of heroin, fentanyl and other drugs.
A recent change in state law made it possible to charge alleged drug suppliers with drug delivery resulting in death, which is a felony. Haines is only the third individual in Luzerne County history to face such a charge.
Police also say Haines told them he discarded some evidence from the Dallas Township home, leading to a misdemeanor charge of tampering with evidence.
After entering a plea of not guilty, Haines requested a jury trial. It will be held during the criminal trial period that begins in February 2018.
Haines was returned to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.