Jury Trial Begins for Altoona Cocaine Trafficker

Matthew Lewis Rodriguez accused of playing key role in drug ring that led to overdose death

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The trial of 40-year-old Matthew Lewis Rodriguez of Altoona began yesterday in Blair County court. Prosecutors allege Rodriguez was a significant player in a trafficking operation that transported cocaine from Baltimore for resale in Altoona. The case stems from a 2025 grand jury investigation into the 2022 overdose death of 26-year-old Marlana Koehle. Rodriguez is the first of seven defendants to face trial.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in Pennsylvania, where drug overdoses have surged in recent years. Prosecutors are seeking to hold traffickers accountable for their role in fueling the epidemic through the criminal justice system.

The details

Rodriguez is accused of being part of a drug trafficking ring that transported cocaine from Baltimore to Altoona for resale. The investigation was launched after the 2022 overdose death of 26-year-old Marlana Koehle. Rodriguez is the first of seven defendants charged in the case to face trial.

  • The trial of Matthew Lewis Rodriguez began on March 3, 2026.
  • The case stems from a 2025 grand jury investigation into Koehle's overdose death in 2022.

The players

Matthew Lewis Rodriguez

A 40-year-old Altoona resident accused of playing a significant role in a drug trafficking operation that transported cocaine from Baltimore for resale in Altoona.

Marlana Koehle

A 26-year-old Altoona resident whose 2022 overdose death prompted the grand jury investigation that led to the charges against Rodriguez and six other defendants.

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What’s next

Testimony in Rodriguez's trial is scheduled to resume today.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania, where drug overdoses have become an increasingly urgent public health issue. Prosecutors are seeking to disrupt drug trafficking networks and hold dealers accountable for their role in fueling the epidemic.