Two individuals have been sentenced in a fentanyl distribution case that tragically resulted in a death. Westminster Police Department reported via social media yesterday, Katherine Craner, 35, pleaded guilty to the top count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. She received a five-year prison sentence, aligning with the earlier sentencing of co-defendant James Winn, 34, who was handed 15 years after his guilty plea on January 8. The chain of events starts on July 5, 2022, with the death of a 26-year-old male due to what was thought to be an oxycodone pill, which was in fact fentanyl.
The incident unfolded at Westcliff Apartments, where the victim was found deceased after consuming the counterfeit pill alongside his girlfriend, who survived. Following an investigation by the Westminster Police Department, which included interviews and search warrants over more than a year, it was determined that the couple had procured the pills from James Winn. According to the Westminster Police Department, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was a combined drug intoxication.
James Winn and Katherine Craner were charged on November 11, 2023, by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office with fentanyl distribution resulting in death, among other charges. The investigation by Westminster PD sought to hold accountable those responsible for the deadly sale. In a post detailing the outcome, the Westminster PD expressed gratitude towards the Jefferson County DA’s Office for their assistance in bringing this case to an end and delivering what they described as justice for the victim’s family…