'It’s no way to live,' judge tells Jeannette man during sentencing for drug convictions

A Westmoreland County judge on Friday implored a Jeannette man convicted in a drug case to use a state prison sentence as a way to turn his life around.

“You don’t have to live this way. This can be the last time,” Judge Timothy Krieger said. “It’s the last time you need to live in a drug house. … It’s no way to live, and I know you know that.”

Krieger sentenced Andrey L. Young, 44, to 3 1/2 to seven years in a state prison. Young was acquitted of supplying fentanyl-laced heroin that killed a Unity man in 2021 but was convicted of other drug counts at his April trial.

Jurors deliberated for about four hours before returning a not guilty verdict on drug delivery resulting in death, the most serious charge against him. He was convicted of possession with intent to deliver and drug and paraphernalia possession charges.

Prosecutors contended Young sold stamp bags of drugs to a man he was living with in Jeannette as an intermediary between him and Gerald Lentz Jr., 33. Lentz died of an accidental drug overdose March 1, 2021.

Young told Krieger he was at the Agnew Road house to look after his female friend, who he knew was using drugs.

“I had a lot of friends that overdosed off that stuff and died,” he said, adding he was worried about her.

He admitted he was using drugs there, too, and asked for an easy sentence.

“I’m just sorry that it all happened the way it happened,” he said.

Krieger admonished Young for putting himself in a bad situation.

“I don’t know what happened in that house, but I know what the jury found,” Krieger said. “None of us were ever going to really know what happened in that house.”

Young was given credit for about two years served in jail since his arrest in 2022. Defense attorney Tim Dawson asked the judge to consider Young’s age and ability to work in crafting a sentence.

“He’s not a kid. He’s been in the system too long,” Dawson said. “Maybe this is a crossroads for him. Maybe this is when he realizes he’s got to stop making bad judgments.”

Prosecutors said Young has a significant prior record. His criminal offenses have included retail theft, drug offenses and tampering with evidence, according to court records.

A second man charged with drug delivery resulting in death and drug offenses — Stephen Piper, 33, of Jeannette — is awaiting trial. Assistant District Attorney Adam Barr said he isn’t sure what the outcome of that case will be. Piper testified against Young.

Prosecutors said Piper bought drugs from Young and gave some of them to Lentz.

A July 15 hearing is set for Piper. A potential trial date may be discussed.