GROTON — Federal officials have arrested and charged a second person in the drug-related death of a 17-year-old in Groton in May.
On Sunday, May 29, around 2:30 a.m., the Groton Town Police were called to a hotel room for a drug overdose. The 17-year-old girl was found unresponsive and suffering from an opiate induced overdose, Captain Steve Sinagra said at the time. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, first-responders tried using Narcan on the girl twice, but it didn’t work so they transported her to L & M Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
On Monday, May 30, police arrested Ramon Gomez, 40, of Uncasville, on charges of promoting prostitution in the first degree.
Now a second person, Adele Bouthillier, 42, of Groton, has been arrested, and additional charges have been added against Gomez. Both were charged possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin and conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Only Gomez faces the prostitution charge, and Groton Police said he forced the girl to prostitute herself. Gomez is a convicted felon with a long criminal history including selling narcotics and assault, according to police.
New information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicates Gomez brought the teen to the motel to engage in prostitution, and she was staying in a room with Bouthillier. On May 28, the day before she died, Bouthillier bought heroin from Gomez and gave it to the victim, who then snorted it. That night around 10 p.m. Bouthillier woke up and found the victim unresponsive with vomit coming from her mouth. However, she waited four hours before calling 911.
Gomez is in state custody on charges related to the case, while Bouthillier was ordered to remain in federal custody.
If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the Groton Town Police Department Detective Division at 860-441-6716.
Opiod abuse has increasingly become a major issue in Connecticut. Just two days prior to the overdose, Gov. Dan Malloy signed into law the latest legislative effort to combat opioid abuse in the state.
