17-year-old gets 7 years in jail for synth drug death

Meeks A Riverside teen who sold a synthetic form of LSD that killed a 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to seven years in prison, the maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter.

Krista Meeks, 17, pleaded guilty on May 14 in Platte County Circuit Court to first degree involuntary manslaughter, distribution of an imitation controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. “This is a tragic case,” said Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd. “One teen is dead and another will serve a substantial term in prison. If there was any doubt about the dangers of synthetic drugs prior to this case, there should be none now: those drugs are deadly.” On Oct. 3, 2013, Meeks sold an imitation form of “acid” to two boys, ages 14 and 15. Both boys were taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital Oct. 4 after taking the drug. The 15-year-old boy died as a result of taking the drug. He did not know that the drug was a synthetic form of LSD. Meeks told investigators with the Platte County Sheriff’s Department that when she sold the drug to the boys, she noticed they looked very young. She asked them if they were freshmen, and they admitted they were. Meeks also told investigators that she knew the drug she sold was a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of LSD. She told investigators she refuses to take the drug because its effects are “so harsh and violent.” She said she felt no obligation to warn the boys about the danger of the drugs, saying “if they are going to buy it, then they should know what they are taking.” Judge Thomas C. Fincham sentenced Meeks to seven years in prison for first degree involuntary manslaughter, four years in prison for distributing an imitation controlled substance and one year each for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the maximum sentences for each of those crimes. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. “This defendant will serve the longest possible prison term for recklessly causing this young teen’s death by selling him a drug she knew was capable of killing him,” Zahnd said. “But I take no joy in this outcome, because it will not bring this bright, young teenager back to life.” Another teenager, Jamell Montgomery, 18, of Kansas City, was also charged with distribution of an imitation controlled substance. He connected the boys with Meeks so they could buy the drug. Montgomery was sentenced to four years in prison on May 5. That sentence will not be executed if Montgomery successfully completes five years’ probation after serving 120 days in jail.