POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 15, 2026San Diego County

Former San Diego sailors plead guilty to federal drug conspiracy involving fentanyl-laced pills

Photo: KPBS Public Media

Two former San Diego-based sailors pleaded guilty this week to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances after selling fentanyl-laced pills to fellow service members. Bailey Szramowski faces a prison sentence of five to 40 years and a $5 million fine, while Johnnese Poomaihealani faces up to 20 years and a $1 million fine. The distribution scheme involved sales aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in 2022 and resulted in one fatal overdose and another non-fatal hospitalization.

CrimeMilitaryDrugsFederal CourtSan Diego
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

Two former military personnel face multi-year federal prison sentences and million-dollar fines following drug distribution convictions tied to service member overdoses.

Key Facts

  • Bailey Szramowski, 29, and Johnnese Poomaihealani, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • The defendants were former sailors assigned to the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
  • In 2022, Szramowski routinely sold pills to fellow sailors, including during deployment.
  • Szramowski and Poomaihealani are married.
  • In December 2022, Szramowski sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to a sailor who subsequently died by overdose.
  • Szramowski sold additional pills to a second sailor knowing the substances had proven deadly, and that second sailor overdosed and was hospitalized.
  • Both defendants agreed to cooperate with authorities.
  • Bailey Szramowski faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
  • Johnnese Poomaihealani faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Who's Mentioned

PersonJohnnese Poomaihealani“Former San Diego sailor who pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy.”OrganizationUSS Abraham Lincoln“San Diego-based aircraft carrier where the defendants were assigned.”OrganizationU.S. Attorney's Office“Federal office prosecuting the case.”PersonBailey Szramowski“Former San Diego sailor who pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy.”PersonKeith Ellison“San Diego assistant U.S. attorney.”OrganizationKPBS“News organization receiving information from the U.S. Attorney's Office.”locationSan Diego“Location of the naval base and U.S. Attorney's Office.”