Two men are behind bars on federal charges after a string of deadly heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut in May 2016. Nestor Santana, also known as “Beans,” 29, of New London, and James Butler, 23, of Montville, were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin. Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and were ordered detained. Each faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The deaths began early on May 29, 2016, when Groton police and emergency crews rushed to a motel room following reports of a drug overdose. Inside, they found a 17-year-old female unresponsive. Medics administered two doses of Narcan (Naloxone) — to no effect. She was rushed to the hospital but died later that morning. Toxicology results confirmed the cause: a lethal dose of heroin.
Investigators quickly uncovered a sordid chain of exploitation and distribution. Ramon Gomez, 41, of Uncasville, also known as “B.I.,” had brought the teen to the motel to engage in prostitution, fully aware she was under 18. On May 28, 2016, Gomez sold heroin to an intermediary who then passed it to the victim. Authorities allege Nestor Santana supplied the heroin that killed her.
Just two days later, on May 31, another body was found — this time in a Montville apartment on Route 32. Police discovered a 34-year-old woman face down on a bathroom floor. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death “Acute Ethanol and Fentanyl Intoxication.” Evidence points to James Butler as the supplier. Investigators believe Butler obtained the heroin from Gomez, who in turn got it from Santana — linking both defendants to a fatal supply chain.
Further investigation revealed a broader distribution operation. In August and September 2016, law enforcement conducted controlled buys of heroin directly from Santana. He was arrested on state charges on September 29, 2016. A search of his New London residence turned up additional heroin and drug packaging materials, including scales and baggies used to process and distribute narcotics.
Ramon Gomez has already pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution charges and awaits sentencing. The case, led by the DEA, Connecticut State Police, Groton, Montville, and New London police departments, as well as the Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito. U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly emphasized that the charges are allegations only — Santana and Butler are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Related Federal Cases
- Erick Delgado Sentenced in Fentanyl-Laced Heroin Overdose Deaths · Washington
- Jelliffe Gets a Year for Deadly Heroin Deal · Connecticut
- Shawn Miller Gets 7.5 Years for Heroin, Crack Ring · Connecticut
- Reginald Miles Jr. Sentenced in Heroin Death Case · Connecticut
- Bridgeport Man Sold Heroin to Overdose Victim: Feds · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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