Two Plead Guilty In Alton Heroin Overdose Death

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton, announced today that Tyrone L. Adams and Cara L. Moss pled guilty in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis on January 14, 2013, to distributing the heroin which caused the death of Leonard O. Hormann, III, in Alton on August 20, 2012.

“These convictions are another strong message to drug dealers throughout Southern Illinois that they peddle poison at their own risk,” said United States Attorney Wigginton. “When such dealers are caught and convicted, those risks are enormous – in this case both defendants face a possible life sentence. My Office is determined to continue its initiative to stop the epidemic of heroin overdose deaths among our young citizens.”

Wigginton also complimented the work of the Alton Police Department and the Madison County State’s Attorney, saying that, “The Alton police conducted an investigation in this case that could serve as a model for future investigations. I am also proud of the fact that these convictions resulted from close coordination with the Madison County State’s Attorney. The results in this case demonstrate the benefits of careful federal and state cooperation.”

Adams, 33, and Moss, 26, admitted selling heroin to Hormann at the residence which Adams and Moss shared at Powhattan Street in Alton. Hormann paid $100 for the heroin which killed him. Hormann’s family found him dead at his own residence in Alton on August 21, 2012. Hormann was 23 years old when he died.

In addition to pleading guilty to the charge of Distribution of Heroin Resulting in Death, Adams and Moss also pled guilty to a second charge of Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises at their residence on Powhattan Street between June 2012 and September 2012. Adams and Moss admitted to selling more than 100 grams of heroin (3 ½ ounces) to various heroin customers who came to their residence during that time period.

In addition, Adams pled guilty to a third charge of Distribution of Heroin Within 1000 Feet of a School. Adams’ residence on Powhattan was located near “The Motivational Achievement Center,” a public school, in Alton.

Adams and Moss are scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2013. Both Adams and Moss face a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment when they are sentenced. Adams and Moss have both been held without bail since they were arrested by Alton police on September 5, 2012.

Alton police conducted the investigation which led to the convictions of Adams and Moss. This case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.