'I will never forgive you:' Brother testifies at sentencing of Greensburg man for drug overdose

After more than two years, Nicholas Ginter couldn’t hold back his anger any longer.

It had been simmering since his older brother, Joseph Ginter, died in July 2023 from a drug overdose. On Thursday, the man who pleaded guilty to providing the fatal dose of drugs — Justin Todaro, 38, of Greensburg — stood before Nicholas Ginter in a Westmoreland County courtroom waiting to be sentenced.

“You killed your friend for a few dollars,” Ginter said. “You are a predator. You knew what you were doing. I will never forgive you.”

Todaro was sentenced Thursday to 11 1/2 to 23 months in the Westmoreland County Prison followed by five years of probation on drug delivery resulting in death and related charges. He pleaded guilty in September.

Joseph Ginter, 43, of North Huntingdon, died July 1, 2023, from a drug overdose. Police said the powerful opioid fentanyl and animal tranquilizer xylazine were present in drugs found at his home. Investigators found communication about drugs on Ginter’s phone between him and Todaro, who was arrested two years ago.

Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio said she struggled with how to dispense justice. Ginter’s family asked for the maximum punishment allowed, which would have been decades in a state prison. Todaro’s attorney suggested a county jail sentence or home electronic monitoring.

“This is the hardest part of my job,” Bilik-DeFazio said. “Mr. Todaro, I’m sure you understand the anger that you witnessed today is certainly justifiable and understandable.”

Ultimately, she landed on the county jail sentence, citing a gut feeling that sending Todaro to state prison would derail his own efforts and those helping others break free from a drug addiction. He works as a certified recovery specialist at DreamLife Recovery in Donegal Township. He was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

“I want that to be you telling your story in whatever venue you have the ability to do so,” Bilik-DeFazio said. “Your story has power and Mr. Ginter’s memory can be kept alive through you educating others and supporting others.”

Charles Chappell testified that Todaro genuinely cares about the clients at the recovery center where he works and has become a positive inspiration. Todaro apologized to Ginter’s family with tears in his eyes.

Public defender Michael Garofalo asked for a sentence that would allow Todaro to continue working.

“He’s done more than anybody I’ve ever represented … to take steps to … make amends for the pain that has been caused as a result of his actions that night,” Garofalo said.

Assistant District Attorney Adam Barr asked for state prison time, pointing to the ongoing heartbreak felt by Ginter’s family.

“I respect the defendant’s progress, but it all happened after the fact,” he said.

Terry Ginter testified that her son had been in recovery from a heroin addiction for a couple years and was doing well. But he was still being contacted by Todaro. He ultimately succumbed to the temptation.

“My son lost his life over money,” she said. “My son can’t be here. Even if (Todaro) goes to jail, his parents still get to see him. I can’t see my son ever. I talk to him every day, but I can’t see him.”