Sailor admits he sold drugs on Navy ship in Southland

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Bailey Szramowski, a sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills on the carrier, which resulted in at least one fatal overdose and another serious overdose. His co-defendant, Johnnese Poomaihealani, also admitted guilt, and both face significant prison sentences when they are sentenced on December 11.

A sailor assigned to the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has pleaded guilty to selling fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills on board the vessel, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. Bailey Szramowski, 29, admitted to distributing the illicit drugs despite a crew member’s death from a fentanyl overdose.

Court documents revealed that on January 3, 2023, a sailor identified only by his initials, A.N., died of a fentanyl overdose while on leave at a recreational vehicle in San Leandro, California. Ten days later, another crew member, identified as C.L., was hospitalized after overdosing on similar substances and required treatment with Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication.

During the investigation, C.L. informed authorities that Szramowski sold him three counterfeit oxycodone pills on the day of his overdose. He also stated that Szramowski and the deceased sailor had been actively selling the pills to other sailors aboard the carrier for approximately one year.

Authorities allege Szramowski attempted to cover up his involvement. He reportedly urged the deceased sailor’s aunt, uncle, and former fiancée to delete text messages between him and A.N., warning that he could face murder charges. The former fiancée told investigators that the victim had purchased ten pills from Szramowski but only nine were found after his death. She also reported that Szramowski admitted to supplying the fentanyl-laced pills.

Szramowski’s spouse and fellow former sailor, Johnnese Poomaihealani, 25, also pleaded guilty to charges related to selling counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl. The February 14, 2025, indictment states that Poomaihealani and Szramowski contacted the second overdose victim after his hospitalization, instructing him to tell investigators that he obtained the pills from the deceased sailor.

Both Szramowski and Poomaihealani are scheduled for sentencing on December 11. Szramowski faces a potential prison term ranging from five to 40 years, while Poomaihealani may serve up to 20 years, according to the Department of Justice.

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