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Somerset Man Indicted in Fentanyl, Heroin Case Tied to Overdose Death in Plainfield
Federal charges mark first case under District of New Jersey’s new Fentanyl Precursor Interception Strike Force initiative
A Somerset County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing fentanyl and heroin that allegedly led to the death of a victim in Plainfield, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. This marks the first case prosecuted under the District of New Jersey’s newly formed Fentanyl Precursor Interception Strike Force.
Thomas Kane Miller, 40, of Somerset, faces multiple felony drug charges including one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and a fentanyl precursor (4-ANPP), one count of distribution of fentanyl and heroin resulting in death, and two additional counts of distribution. He is scheduled for an initial court appearance and arraignment on June 30, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton.
“The fentanyl epidemic has devastated communities across the country. Too many lives have been lost, too many families have been broken. This poison has no place on our streets. This office is unwavering in its pursuit of justice and will relentlessly hold accountable anyone who traffics fentanyl or other deadly drugs in New Jersey, ensuring they face the full weight of the law for the destruction they cause. The District of New Jersey continues to emphasize opioid enforcement, including with its Fentanyl Precursor Interception Strike Force that seeks to stem the tide of chemical precursors and adulterants used to manufacture fentanyl, and bring to justice individuals who sell this poison on our streets.” - U.S. Attorney Alina Habba
According to court documents and statements, the case stems from an October 2022 overdose death in Plainfield. Investigators found the deceased victim alongside two wax folds stamped with a unique identifier. Subsequent analysis confirmed the substances contained fentanyl and heroin. Communications between Miller and the victim prior to the incident suggested a planned drug transaction.
Law enforcement further linked Miller to the case by identifying him in possession of similarly stamped wax folds containing fentanyl, heroin, and a fentanyl precursor roughly ten days before the fatal incident. Additionally, Miller is accused of distributing fentanyl and heroin on two occasions in December 2022 and January 2023 across Middlesex and Somerset Counties.
“This tragic loss of life is a stark reminder fentanyl-related deaths continue to plague our communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations New York acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “The lethal dangers posed by the illegal narcotics that traffickers are introducing to our communities cannot be overstated. This is why HSI New York, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations that prioritize profit over American lives.”
If convicted of the most serious charge—distribution resulting in death—Miller faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life imprisonment, as well as a fine of up to $1 million. Each of the remaining charges carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years and similar fines.
This investigation is part of a broader initiative led by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force, a collaboration involving the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and county prosecutor’s offices from Somerset and Middlesex. The Strike Force’s objective is to combat high-level narcotics trafficking and related criminal networks.
“Today’s indictment against Thomas Miller reflects the determination the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those individuals who continue to poison our communities with fentanyl,” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Mr. Miller’s victim was more than just another statistic; it’s a life cut short by greed. The DEA is committed to holding these individuals accountable, especially when their actions result in the tragic loss of life.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano is prosecuting the case. All charges are currently allegations, and Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
