Edwin Burgos, 39, was sentenced Tuesday in the March 18, 2023, death of a co-worker, Steven Nitschke, in his Stroud Township apartment.

Monroe County Judge Stephen M. Higgins sentenced him to 4-10 years in jail.

Burgos was arrested by Detective Kim Lippincott of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and pleaded guilty this week to charges of involuntary manslaughter, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and criminal use of a communication facility (a cellphone). He was sentenced immediately after the plea.

Officials said they were called to Nitschke’s apartment on the above date and found the victim deceased. They said the Stroud Area Regional Police Department, along with the district attorney’s Criminal Investigations Division, investigated and were able to trace back the source of the drugs to Burgos, who was charged last August.

Police said they were able to obtain enough evidence showing that Burgos delivered a deadly dose of drugs to Nitschke.

Prior to Judge Higgins sentencing Burgos, the victim’s family had the opportunity to address him in court. Nitschke’s mother gave a heartfelt statement pleading that Burgos gets the help he needs for his own drug addiction.

In addition to the prison sentence, Burgos was ordered to undergo 12 years of probation upon his release from the jail.

Assistant District Attorney Chad Martinez prosecuted the case for the commonwealth.

In a statement, the DA’s office said, “It is hoped that the resolution of the case helps bring a measure of closure to the victim’s family and friends and serves as a reminder that the scourge of addiction casts a wide net of suffering extending far and wide over humanity.