Man sentenced in heroin death at Blackwell hotel

The Kay County District Attorney’s office amended a first degree murder charge to first degree manslaughter on July 2 against Joshua Franklin Lehman, 38 for his involvement in the overdose death of Josi Lashell Misak, 35, of Wichita at the Econo Lodge Hotel in February.

Lehman pleaded guilty on July 2 and was given a 15-year sentence with the Department of Corrections (DOC). Lehman will serve five years with the remaining ten years suspended for good behavior and no further criminal activity.

Lehman must also be under DOC supervision for two years upon his release, participate in drug programs and pay $3,241.50 in fees and courts assessments upon his release from prison.

Kay County District Attorney Brian Hermanson handled the prosecution and the plea deal and Lehman was represented by Jarrod Stevenson out of Oklahoma City. Judge David Bandy was the presiding judge.

Lehman was remanded to the Kay County Detention Center until the DOC takes custody to transfer Lehman to a state facility.