Authorities in Cambria County say a Darby man is behind bars following an investigation into the fatal overdose of a Cresson Borough man earlier this year.
According to the affidavit, on Feb. 28, police were dispatched to an apartment along Powell Avenue where authorities say 37-year-old Derek Lushko was found dead of a suspected overdose.
Investigators say an autopsy revealed that Lushko had reportedly suffered a medical emergency as a result of ingesting multiple drugs.
Police noted that various drug paraphernalia, including a used syringe, were reportedly found in the apartment at the time of Lushko’s death.
Upon further investigation, police say officers learned that Lushko had been in contact with 29-year-old Rasheen Edwards.
Police say in March, Edwards was arrested on separate charges of illegal firearms and drug possession.
Investigators say the drugs that were found on Edwards’ person were similar to the ones recovered from the scene of Lushko’s overdose.
Police later discovered that Lushko had purchased drugs from Edwards, prior to his death, according to text messages and a witness.
According to online court records, Edwards was arraigned Thursday on various charges, including drug delivery resulting in death.
“This case demonstrates that law enforcement takes the harmful effects of illegal drug activity very seriously. An extremely detailed and time consuming investigation, headed by Cresson Borough, is a clear indication that authorities will endeavor to hold drug dealers responsible for polluting our streets,”
Edwards is being held at the Cambria County Prison on $250,000 bail.
