Toledo man indicted for selling heroin that resulted in fatal overdose

A Toledo man was indicted in federal court for selling heroin that resulted in a fatal overdose last year, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Harold Sasse, 41, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death. 

Sasse sold heroin on March 29, 2017 to two people, identified in court documents as E.M. and T.W. Sometime between that day and March 30, 2017, E.M. ingested the heroin and died, according to the indictment.

“Every death represents someone’s son or daughter, friend or neighbor,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “We will seek prison sentences for those who profit off this epidemic while working to prevent future tragedies and getting help for those who want treatment.”

"Overdoses have killed far too many Americans,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato. “The FBI, in collaboration with the Toledo Police Department, is avidly committed to holding those like Harold Sasse accountable for selling the deadly drugs which are killing our fellow citizens."

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toledo Police Department. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.