Suspect in drug supplier death pleads no contest |

An Ernest man has pleaded no contest to a September 2021 case involving a drug delivery that resulted in death.

Indiana County District Attorney Robert F. Manzi Jr. said Friday that 36-year-old Andrew Kirk Rankin pleaded nolo contendere to one count of first-degree manslaughter and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to traffic.

Indiana County Common Pleas Judge Michael T. Clark sentenced Rankin in the case to a term of imprisonment in a state correctional facility for a minimum of 4½ years and a maximum of 21 years.

Manzi said Clark ordered the sentence to be served consecutive to the prison term Rankin is already serving in another case involving possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

The district attorney said the combined sentences mean the defendant will be under state supervision until he is nearly 60 years old.

In the fatal case, Manzi said the victim tried to buy three stamp bags of controlled substances from the defendant for $40.

Shortly thereafter, the district attorney said, the victim was found dead with three stamp bags full of controlled substances.

Manzi said the defendant also attempted to sell drugs to other people using a personalized stamp – a stamp found on the drugs the 2021 victim took.

“We are able to convict this defendant thanks to the diligent work of members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop A, Indiana,” said the district attorney. “Members of our state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as our partners across

Pennsylvania and federal law enforcement are working hard to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug traffickers in Indiana County.”

Manzi concluded his press release on the verdict by pointing out that anyone with a drug or alcohol problem can contact the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1 (877) 333-2470.