Two former U.S. Navy sailors from Hawaii, Baily A. Szramowski and Johnnese H. Poomaihealani, pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. One sailor (A.N.) died of acute fentanyl intoxication and another (C.L.) survived a nonfatal overdose. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and face federal sentencing on Dec. 11, 2026.
Two Former Navy Sailors Plead Guilty After Fentanyl-Laced Pills Sold Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Two former U.S. Navy sailors from Hawaii have admitted in federal court that they sold counterfeit oxycodone pills contaminated with fentanyl to active-duty sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, one of whom later died.
Federal prosecutors identified the defendants as 29-year-old Baily A. Szramowski and 25-year-old Johnnese H. Poomaihealani. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California says both entered guilty pleas Monday to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Timeline and Allegations
Court records state that Szramowski supplied 10 pills marketed as oxycodone to an active-duty sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in December 2022. The sailor, identified only by the initials A.N. in filings, died the following month from acute fentanyl intoxication.
About 10 days after A.N.'s death, Szramowski allegedly sold three additional pills represented as oxycodone to another active-duty sailor, identified as C.L. That sailor experienced an apparent overdose, was hospitalized and later survived.
According to the court documents, Szramowski and Poomaihealani later contacted C.L. and instructed the sailor to tell investigators that the pills had come from A.N. rather than from Szramowski.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances under federal law and are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 11, 2026. Szramowski faces a statutory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, plus a potential fine of up to $5 million. Poomaihealani faces a maximum term of 20 years and a possible $1 million fine.
Public Safety Note: Counterfeit pills marketed as prescription opioids frequently contain fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Even a small amount can be fatal. Authorities urge service members and the public to avoid taking pills from unknown sources and to seek immediate help for suspected overdoses.
Reporting is based on court records and statements from the U.S. Attorney's Office. The investigation remains part of federal law enforcement proceedings.
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