Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced the sentencing of Shawn Smith, a Chicago resident, to twelve years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Smith, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Induced Homicide, a Class X Felony. The sentence was delivered by Judge Daniel Guerin.

The case dates back to November 27, 2022, when a twenty-three-year-old male was found dead in his family home in Naperville. An investigation by the Naperville Police Department identified Smith as the supplier of the heroin/fentanyl that caused the death. Undercover officers arranged a drug purchase from Smith on December 5, 2022. He was apprehended without incident while en route to the meeting.

An autopsy revealed that fentanyl, heroin, diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl), and trazodone were present in the victim's system. The victim had been prescribed trazodone.

“Judge Guerin’s twelve-year-sentence today sends a message of deterrence to any would-be drug dealers that if you supply illegal drugs that result in the death of another person, you will be arrested, charged and face a significant amount of time behind bars if found guilty,” said Berlin. “This young man’s tragic death is yet another stark reminder of the deadly consequences of illegal narcotics. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Joseph Lindt and Adam Frahm for their work not only on this case but for their continued efforts in ridding our communities of illegal narcotics.”

Smith must serve at least 75% of his sentence before he can be considered for parole.