Lima man sentenced to 5 years in prison for overdose death of cousin

LIMA. A Lima resident who pleaded guilty in February to his cousin’s June overdose death was sentenced to five years in prison at Monday’s hearing.

Shane Conrad, 34, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter for giving fentanyl to Jarrod Conrad on June 16, 2022, which led to his death.

William Kluge, Konrad’s lawyer, said that the victim and defendant were “like brothers” and that day they got together for a drink – which the two of them did regularly. He said that at one point Conrad went to the victim’s house to get drugs for them and gave them to his cousin.

Kluge said the men had taken drugs and his cousin was sitting on the couch when Conrad left. At some point after Conrad’s departure, Jarrod Conrad took the rest of the drugs and overdosed.

During the hearing, Conrad apologized to his aunt and uncle and said that he would have to deal with his actions for the rest of his life. He said that he takes full responsibility and would like to move forward positively.

Allen County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Reid said the situation is a “heartbreaking tragedy for two families” and no sentences can solve the death of Jarrod Conrad.

Reed said that Shane Conrad has a history of drug-related crimes, indicative of substance abuse. He said he thought he was showing genuine remorse.

Conrad is ordered to pay his legal costs. He served 120 days in prison, for which he will be credited.