A former Erie resident has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge for possession with intent to distribute illegal substances. 

Derrick Lamont Hemphill, 30, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge David Cercone.

Hemphill acknowledged that he sold fentanyl that caused the death of 41-year-old Kelly Jares in November 2017. Additionally, Hemphill possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and a heroin/fentanyl mixture, according to information presented to the court.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 9, 2021 at 1 p.m. Hemphill faces as many as 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million or both, based on the seriousness of the offenses and prior criminal history.