Jennifer Lynn Krieger, the 36-year-old West Frankfort woman who is accused of providing narcotics that led to the death of 19-year-old Jennifer Curry of West Frankfort, will remain in federal custody pending the outcome of a detention hearing Friday.

Krieger made her initial court appearance Tuesday for a first advisement hearing in front of U.S. Magistrate Phillip Frazier.

During the brief hearing Krieger was advised of the charges against her. She will appear again at 9:15 a.m. Friday in U.S. District Court for a preliminary/detention hearing.

During Friday's hearing federal prosecutors will give a glimpse of the evidence that prompted the single count of "distribution of narcotics resulting in death" Krieger is facing. Also during the hearing Frazier will rule on an oral motion made by federal prosecutors Tuesday asking that bond for Krieger be denied.

If convicted Krieger faces a prison sentence of 20 years to life and a fine up to $1 million.

According to information filed by federal prosecutors, Krieger allegedly provided a Duragesic gel patch on Nov. 22 containing the narcotic fentanyl to Curry, who ingested the contents of the patch and died the next day.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the charge. The gel patches are designed for chronic pain relief.

West Frankfort Police Chief Mike Dinn would not comment specifically about Curry's death, but he said law enforcement officials have noticed an increase in recent months in the illegal use of analgesic patches.

Dinn said in many instances the corner of the patch is cut off and the contents are either sucked out and ingested or removed from the patch and injected intravenously.

Dinn said the contents of the patch, if it is worn, enter the body over a three-day period, but when ingested or injected the person takes in "a 72-hour supply of narcotics in one hit."

According to court records Krieger was questioned about providing the patch to Curry and on Dec. 19 gave a voluntary statement to Dinn and Detective Jeff Tharp admitting she provided Curry with the gel patch at approximately 3 p.m. Nov. 22. Curry was found dead at her mother's home at about 4 p.m. on Nov. 23.

Evansville forensic pathologist Dr. John Heidingsfelder performed an autopsy and ruled that Curry died from a lethal overdose of fentanyl.

Citing Supreme Court rules, Franklin County State's Attorney Tom Dinn also declined to discuss specifics about the allegations against Krieger. Tom Dinn did say that he opted to turn the case over to federal authorities because of the stiff penalty provided by federal law for those who distribute drugs resulting in death.

Court records also indicate Krieger had a prescription to obtain 15 fentanyl gel patches per month. Authorities believe that Krieger was then selling the patches for $50 apiece from her West Frankfort home.

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