US Navy Seaman Accused of Fentanyl-Laced Pill Sales, Leading to Sailor's Death

A US Navy seaman, Bailey Szramowski, is accused of selling fentanyl-laced Percocet pills to fellow sailors, resulting in the death of one and a near-fatal overdose for another. The 27-year-old, stationed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, is now facing federal charges.

The alleged scheme unfolded over several months, with Szramowski reportedly supplying the counterfeit pills to at least two sailors, including the victim, identified as A.N. in court documents. A.N., who was on leave and staying in a recreational vehicle outside San Francisco, died from a fentanyl overdose on January 3, 2023.

Further investigation revealed that a second sailor, identified as C.L., suffered a near-fatal overdose ten days later. C.L. subsequently cooperated with Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents, implicating Szramowski as his supplier. The complaint alleges Szramowski continued selling the pills throughout the ship's 2022 deployment to the South China Sea and after its return to San Diego.

Critically, Szramowski's purported attempts to conceal his involvement are central to the case. According to the complaint, he contacted A.N.'s relatives, attempting to influence information found on A.N.'s phone, while also denying responsibility for the pills to NCIS agents. An eyewitness account from A.N.'s former fiancée, G.G., adds crucial corroboration, stating that Szramowski acknowledged the pills' content while claiming no direct culpability for the effects.

Forensic evidence, including messages retrieved from A.N.'s phone, reveals extensive drug-related communications between the accused and the deceased. Records show transactions for "Percocet" and other drugs, including evidence of drug use. Payments via CashApp further substantiate the illegal dealings.

Szramowski now faces a significant charge—distribution of fentanyl resulting in death—with a potential sentence of 20 years to life imprisonment if convicted. The case underscores a severe issue within the US Navy, exposing the disturbing presence of drug trafficking amongst personnel.