Two Charged with Distributing Heroin Involved in Overdose of Teenager in Groton

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that an investigation into a recent drug overdose death of a teenager in Groton has resulted in federal heroin distribution charges against two individuals.  The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

ADELE BOUTHILLIER, 42, of Groton, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging her with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and conspiracy to distribute heroin.  RAMON GOMEZ, also known as “B.I.,” 40, of Uncasville, has been charged by complaint with the same offenses.

According the criminal complaint, in the early morning hours of May 29, 2016, members of the Groton Police Department and emergency services personnel responded to a Groton motel room on the report of a suspected drug overdose.  The victim, a 17-year-old female, was administered two doses of NARCAN, which were deemed unsuccessful, before she was transported to the hospital and died later that morning.

It is alleged that GOMEZ brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution, and that the victim was staying in a room there with BOUTHILLIER.  On the morning of May 28, 2016, BOUTHILLIER purchased a quantity of heroin from GOMEZ and gave it to the victim, who snorted it.  At approximately 10:00 p.m. that day, BOUTHILLIER awoke to find the victim to be unresponsive with vomit coming out of her mouth.  BOUTHILLIER waited approximately four hours before calling 911.

Following her arrest, BOUTHILLIER appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis and was ordered detained.

GOMEZ is currently in state custody on related charges.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Groton Police Department and Regional Community Enhancement Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.