6 years in prison over fatal overdoses

A Fostoria man charged in connection to the deaths of two men in December 2016 was sentenced to six years in prison by Seneca County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Kelbley Tuesday afternoon. Joseph E. Worth, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter, both first-degree felonies; corrupting another with drugs, a second-degree felony; two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs, both fourth-degree felonies; and aggravated possession of drugs, possessing criminal tools and trafficking in heroin, all fifth-degree felonies. Kelbley followed the joint sentence recommendation and sentenced Worth to a mandatory six years in prison. Kelbley granted credit for 228 days served. David R. Vaughn, 28, of Bascom, and John E. Panuto Jr., 25, of Tiffin, were found dead of suspected heroin overdoses at 37 Harrison St., Detective Lt. Mark Marquis of Tiffin Police Department had said. Court records state they were found dead in the bathroom of Panuto's home after a 911 caller reported that two men were not breathing. Stephanie Kiser, assistant Seneca County prosecutor, had said carfentanil was the cause of death of the two victims. Faith McLaughlin, a victim's advocate, said she had conversations with all family members of the deceased, and they were not in agreement with the sentence recommendation. They found it too lenient, she said. McLaughlin read a statement on behalf of Vaughn's family during the hearing Tuesday. Two beautiful souls left this earth Dec. 17, 2016, and their lives now are cherished memories, she said. "This past year has been filled with painful regret and sadness. We know too well the daily struggle and torment (Vaughn) faced," she said. Worth, who agreed to forfeit a cellphone and about $162, declined to speak before sentencing.