Beaver County man accused of selling heroin-fentanyl mix that led to a death

A Beaver County man is accused of selling a mixture of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in a person dying, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

Zachary Martin Cymbalak, 32, who resides in the borough of Freedom, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on two counts of narcotics charges in connection to a fatality, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said.

Officials did not identify the person who died in connection to the charges filed against Cymbalak nor provide further details.

According to the indictment returned this week, Cymbalak obtained and distributed heroin, fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl that resulted in a death, Brady said.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller that can be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Acetyl fentanyl can be 15 times stronger than morphine.

As little as 2 or 3 nanograms of pure fentanyl per milliliter of blood can be deadly.

If convicted, Cymbalak could face a maximum possible sentence of not less than 20 years to life in prison and a fine of not more than $1 million.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad R. Parks is prosecuting the case with help from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Beaver County Drug Task Force and Harmony Township police.