Prosecutor says Derry man skipped sentencing hearing to take drugs

Glenn Levtzow apparently had a scheduling conflict Friday morning when he was due in court to be sentenced for his role in a friend’s overdose in 2017, a Westmoreland County prosecutor said.

“He had better plans today. He is out smoking meth, according to the probation department,” Assistant District Attorney Jim Lazar said as he noticed Levtzow’s failure to appear in court for his hearing before Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani.

Levtzow, 38, of Derry, pleaded guilty in December to charges of drug delivery resulting in death, child endangerment and avoiding apprehension in connection with the Nov. 18, 2017, overdose of Ryan Powell, 34, in his Greensburg apartment on East Pittsburgh Street. Powell died two days later at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.

Police said Levtzow purchased heroin, gave some to Powell and sold more to him later that day in return for other drugs. Powell overdosed on the drugs and was found unresponsive in a bathroom by Levtzow and another woman, according to police.

Levtzow broke through a locked door in an attempt to help Powell and fled the apartment after 911 was called. He was found later in a parked vehicle, suspected of being under the influence of drugs, police said. Two young children, ages 6 and 3, and drug paraphernalia were in the vehicle that was parked near where Powell lived.

Feliciani said Friday he received a letter from Powell’s mother, who claimed she did not want to see the man who gave her son the fatal dose of fentanyl-laced heroin.

Lazar said county probation officials believe Levtzow, who was free on nominal bail, had consumed methamphetamines shortly before Friday’s sentencing hearing and did not know his whereabouts.

Defense attorney Patricia Elliott-Rentler said Levtzow told her he was sick and was en route to a hospital on Friday morning.

Feliciani issued a bench warrant and Levtzow was arrested Friday afternoon by deputy sheriffs, according to officials.

He will remain in jail pending a hearing on Monday to address his missed court appearance. A new date for his sentencing is not scheduled.