Clarkstown Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution

By Rockland Daily Staff

Justin Turnick, 26, of Congers, has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that led to six poisonings, including three fatalities, following a joint investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, Clarkstown Police Department, and the DEA.

U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern handed down the sentence after Turnick pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. His plea acknowledged responsibility for distributing the deadly opioid, which caused the deaths of three young people and non-fatal poisonings of three others in Rockland County between February 2020 and April 2022.

Turnick’s actions resulted in tragic losses, including:

• February 3, 2020: Gustaf Olsen, 19, died from fentanyl poisoning.
• July 11, 2020: Jonathan Shashoua, 22, died from fentanyl poisoning.
• January 5, 2021: An 18-year-old girl survived a non-fatal fentanyl poisoning.
• July 30, 2021: Ione Koenig survived a non-fatal poisoning but tragically died the following day at 18.
• April 19, 2022: A 23-year-old man experienced a non-fatal poisoning.

In addition to prison time, Turnick will face five years of supervised release.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino emphasized the gravity of Turnick’s crimes, stating, “Today’s sentencing reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who poison our communities with lethal drugs like fentanyl.”

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II added, “The defendant’s actions resulted in unimaginable loss. Our office remains committed to keeping fentanyl and illegal narcotics off the streets and ensuring justice for victims.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison and Kathryn Wheelock from the Southern District of New York.

illustration photo: Shutterstock