Inmate who caused fentanyl overdose of another inmate by smuggling drugs into jail sentenced Tuesday

An inmate who smuggled fentanyl and methamphetamine into Bucks County Correctional Facility, resulting in an overdose death of another inmate, was sentenced to seven to 20 years in state prison on Tuesday.

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said Allen Rhodes, 31, pleaded guilty to drug delivery resulting in death, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and possession of contraband, resulting in the death of Joshua Patterson, 22, of Philadelphia.

Furthermore, Rhodes entered pleas in four other active cases, according to DA Jennifer M. Schorn.

Bucks County Common Pleas President Judge Raymond F. McHugh also ordered Rhodes to 10 years of probation and $3,000 in restitution.

Authorities said Patterson was pronounced dead on Aug. 1, 2022, days after being found unresponsive and not breathing in a prison cell.

An autopsy determined Patterson died from complications of fentanyl intoxication, per the DA.

An investigation by Bucks County Detectives from the Drug Strike Force of the county Department of Corrections Investigation Unit found that Rhodes smuggled the drugs into the jail after he was taken into custody for outstanding warrants by Pennsylvania State Police during a July 25, 2022 traffic stop in Bensalem Township, authorities said.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed hours of surveillance footage and interviewed several witnesses, police said. Rhodes sold drugs or traded them for food and other commissary items to inmates.

Investigators found eight bundles, or 123 wax bags, of suspected heroin and nine bags of methamphetamine in Rhodes’ cell.

After Patterson’s death, a search of his cell found a clear bag and a homemade straw, with powder that tested positive for fentanyl.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Thomas C. Gannon.

All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.