Two grandmothers accused of selling heroin from their homes near Stroudsburg, PA were in court Wednesday morning reported WNEP Newschannel 16. Elizabeth Grube, 70, and Elaine Volkert, 65, gave up their right to a preliminary hearing in Stroud Townshp. Both defense and prosecuting attorneys said they want to cooperate with authorities.
The sisters are charged with selling tens of thousands of dollars of heroin out of their homes near Stroudsburg. Attorneys said this latest move is part of a plea deal. “We’re trying to work up the chain of distribution. Her cooperation, particularly Elaine’s, is going to be fruitful,” explained Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso.
The prosecutor said the sisters continue to cooperate. They will plead guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute once the case goes to trial in Monroe County court. Grube’s lawyer said the women are hoping for a sentence of probation, rather than jail time.
Risk of heroin use:
* For intravenous users of heroin (and any other substance), the use of non-sterile needles and syringes and other related equipment leads to several serious risks:
o the risk of contracting blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis
o the risk of contracting bacterial or fungal endocarditis and possibly venous sclerosis
o abscesses
* Poisoning from contaminants added to “cut” or dilute heroin
* Chronic constipation
* Addiction and increasing tolerance
* Physical dependence can result from prolonged use of all opioids, resulting in withdrawal symptoms on cessation of use
* Decreased kidney function (although it is not currently known if this is due to adulterants or infectious diseases)
Please contact a drug rehab or drug treatment centers for more information regarding the dangers of heroin use. Drug rehab programs are important for this or any kind of addiction.
