HARRISBURG, PA — Albert Spicer, 36, of Cambria County, has been sentenced to 13 to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking that led to the tragic death of 5-year-old Alaia Young. The sentencing, announced by Attorney General Michelle Henry, took place on Tuesday after Spicer pleaded guilty to multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver and related charges.
Cambria County Judge Norman A. Krumenacker described Spicer as a “career drug dealer.” Spicer’s criminal history includes at least six prior drug-dealing convictions, starting from when he was 17 years old. His latest offense involved selling fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid known for causing numerous overdose deaths.
Spicer’s illegal activities culminated in the death of young Alaia in October 2022. According to the investigation, Spicer, who was on parole, supplied fentanyl/heroin to the child’s mother. The mother then took the drugs home, where Alaia accessed and ingested them, resulting in a fatal overdose.
Attorney General Henry expressed her condemnation of Spicer’s actions. “This defendant is the stem that caused an unthinkable tragedy — the death of a purely innocent five-year-old girl,” she said. “His drug trafficking days have lasted long enough, and this sentence will ensure it will be many years before he can possibly pose another risk to society.”
The investigation into Spicer’s activities was conducted by the 49th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury with assistance from the Office of Attorney General and the Johnstown Police Department.
Alaia’s mother, Volaura Askew, has also faced justice. She pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and related charges and is serving a 2-to-4-year state prison sentence. Another individual involved, Elyse Young, who was Spicer’s girlfriend, faces charges for allowing her residence to be used as a stash house. Young’s case is still pending.
Deputy Attorney General David Gorman prosecuted Spicer, aiming to hold him accountable for the severe impact of his actions on the community.
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