LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster man was convicted last week of selling fentanyl to a Lancaster City Police officer who was working undercover in October 2022, the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office said Monday.
Angel Viera, 45, of the 600 block of St. Joseph Street, was found guilty of felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy after a two-day trial before Lancaster County Judge Thomas Sponaugle, prosecutors said.
Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Rall prosecuted the case and presented evidence during trial that showed hand-to-hand delivery of an agreed heroin deal between Viera and an undercover officer, video from the officer's vehicle during the transaction, and moments leading up to it, and discussions between the defendant and officer captured on a wiretap.
The transaction occurred on the 400 block of S. Christian Street, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors said Viera "was an active and willing participant who hesitated no more than 10 seconds before getting into the vehicle and giving the officer directions on where to go (to acquire heroin)."
The defense counsel argued entrapment.
Further testing on the suspected heroin confirmed it was fentanyl.
Viera failed to appear for the trial and has an active warrant for his arrest. Police are currently searching for him.
Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Brandon McCormick filed charges.
