Brockport woman pleads guilty in opioid-related death of Albion man
BROCKPORT – A Brockport woman pleaded guilty on Thursday to manslaughter in the second degree for causing the death of a 21-year-old Albion man.
Kelsey Sponaugle
Kelsey Sponaugle, 23, admitted to providing drugs to Tyler Ward at a residence in Brockport. He died on Sept. 9, 2019.
Sponaugle was indicted on February 25, 2020, after an investigation by the Monroe County Heroin Task Force and the Brockport Police Department.
“Today’s admission is the result of the commitment of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office to fight illegal opioids in our community as well as the thorough investigation conducted by the Monroe County Heroin Task Force and the Brockport Police Department,” Assistant Monroe County DA Jennifer Kennedy said on Thursday. “We hope that with today’s admission of guilt, others will think twice before using and providing illegal narcotics in our community and Tyler’s friends and family can move forward with their grief.”
Sponaugle will be sentenced at a later date in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice Judith Sinclair. The case was prosecuted by Monroe County Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Kennedy of the Special Investigations Bureau.
“The pandemic that has encompassed 2020 has only made it worse for those struggling with opioid addiction,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “Holding dealers and those who are pushing opioids accountable for taking advantage of those who are struggling with substance abuse disorder is one way we can help in the fight against this epidemic. After several homicide charges over the past three years, we hope that the message has spread to dealers that we will hold them accountable for promoting these life-threatening opioids in our community.”
Ward worked as a carpet and flooring installer for Anderson Carpet & Flooring in Brockport. He was a talented artist and loved to draw. He also was a history buff and in his spare time loved listening to music, especially The Doors and Nirvana.
