Metro

HOLLIDAYSBURG — An Altoona man pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and additional charges for a sentence of five to 10 years’ incarceration, with a chance to be considered for the state’s Drug Treatment Program.

Matthew Alan Holsinger, 31, was slated to go on trial today in Blair County Court but opted instead to enter guilty pleas for the recommended sentence.

Holsinger, currently an inmate in the county prison, pleaded guilty to felony charges of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and criminal use of a communications facility and to a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana, filed by Altoona police in connection with a suspected fatal overdose at an Altoona residence in September 2024.

Criminal charges indicate that Holsinger and a 48-year-old man had engaged in drug use in Duncansville prior to the man being taken home to Altoona, where he was later found dead. Because police didn’t charge Holsinger with drug delivery resulting in death, the Mirror isn’t naming the victim at this time.

Holsinger also entered guilty pleas to possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, charges that Altoona police filed against him on Dec. 4, 2024, when taking him into custody. He also pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and obstructing justice in connection with an April 13, 2024, incident in Altoona.

In court Tuesday, President Judge Wade A. Kagarise asked Holsinger to acknowledge that while the state Department of Corrections can consider him for admission into its drug treatment program, there’s no guarantee of entry.

Holsinger said he understood that if not admitted, then he would be required to serve the sentence of five to 10 years’ incarceration.

If admitted into the program, then the state Department of Corrections will control the length of his incarceration and supervision periods.

Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Thomas and Assistant Public Defender John Siford presented the negotiated plea in court on Tuesday, the day before a three-day jury trial was scheduled to start, based on a jury selected in April.

While Kagarise has discouraged late resolutions, he said Tuesday that he would accept Holsinger’s pleas and impose the recommended sentence, partly because it addresses charges not only in the pending trial but also in two additional cases. The judge also spoke of having knowledge of the case’s history and said he was satisfied with the proposed resolution.

Holsinger’s criminal record includes prior drug convictions that were addressed with probation and county prison sentences.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.