On Nov. 20, 2014, an investigation began involving three young adults surrounding the drug overdose of Joseph Deleon, 19. When the incident occurred, Sean Hess, 23, of Auburn, had sold Deleon 10 bags on heroin, and Kaitlin Leibensperger, 22, of Pottsville, provided Deleon with needles.
They went to the Sheetz on Kutztown Road in Fleetwood and parked. Hess went into the Sheetz. Deleon and Leibensperger injected heroin. Shortly after injection, Deleon passed out. Upon Hess’s return to the vehicle, they checked Deleon and discovered that his vital signs were fading. Deleon was moved into the back seat.
Hess drove Deleon’s vehicle to the Landingville Fire Company lot. The other male stayed with Deleon and called 9-1-1. Deleon was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was conducted at Lehigh Valley Hospital on Nov. 22, 2014, where is was determined that Deleon died from heroin toxicity.
Both Hess and Leibensperger have been charged with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, as well as Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, both felonies. They are also facing charges of Involuntary Manslaughter, Recklessly Endangering Another Person and Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence, all misdemeanor charges.
