Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin announced May 17 a New Jersey woman has been charged in relation to an overdose death which occurred in 2016.

Meredith Corbet, 28, of 909 Adrienne Avenue, Greenwich Township, Warren County, N.J., was charged with one count each of drug delivery resulting in death and conspiracy to commit drug delivery resulting in death, both felonies of the first degree.

In addition, Corbet, who was taken into custody in New Jersey on May 17, was charged with one count each of delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of fentanyl, and conspiracy to deliver fentanyl, all of which are felonies; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor. According to Martin, at approximately 3:03 a.m. Feb. 17, 2016, Upper Macungie police were dispatched to a residence at 464 Mountain View Court, in the township. There officers found Nicole Werst, 22, of that address, dead from an apparent drug overdose. Upper Macungie Police Detective Adam X. Miller began an investigation during which three glassine packets, two with residue, and one containing a tan powder, were found. The powder was tested and allegedly identified as a heroin and fentanyl mixture.

Werst’s cause of death was determined to be due to the adverse effect of fentanyl. A digital forensic analysis was performed on Werst’s cell-phone, which was found at the scene. The analysis allegedly revealed a series of text messages beginning Feb. 16, 2016, between Werst and Ryan Shimp. Werst allegedly texted Shimp requesting he provide her with heroin.

According to Martin, during the course of the investigation, it was determined Shimp gave his phone to Corbet, with whom he was in a relationship. Corbet was living at 3365 Geryville Pike, Pennsburg, in February 2016. Shimp allegedly instructed Corbet to continue contact with Werst and facilitate the purchase of heroin for her. The district attorney alleges Corbet conspiring with Shimp, contacted Werst, picked her up at 464 Mountain View Court at approximately 1:30 a.m. Feb. 16, 2016, and took her to People’s First Credit Union, 6900 Hamilton Blvd. Trexlertown. Corbet returned Werst to the Mountain View Court home at around 1:40 a.m. and then allegedly went to Allentown, purchased the fentanyl-laced heroin from an unidentified drug dealer, and delivered it to Werst at 3:40 a.m.

Werst did not leave the residence again that day until 11:40 a.m. when she went with a family member to Walgreen’s Pharmacy, 6379 Hamilton Blvd.

She returned home, where she remained having no contact with anyone except Corbet and her family from the time she was provided fentanyl and fentanyl-laced heroin by Corbet 3:40 a.m. Feb. 16, 2016, until the time she was found deceased at 3:03 a.m. Feb. 17, 2016.