Two Charged With Distributing Heroin Involved in Groton Teen Overdose

A man from Groton and another from Uncasville been federally charged for heroin distribution as a result of an investigation into a recent Groton teen’s drug overdose.

Adele Bouthillier, 42, of Groton and Ramon Gomez, 40, were arrested Wednesday on for possessing and distributing heroin 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.

Members of the Groton Police Department and emergency services personnel responded to a Groton motel room on May 29 for suspected drug overdose. The victim, 17, was administered two doses of NARCAN before being transported to the hospital and died later that morning.

On the morning of May 28, 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 her unresponsive with vomit coming out of her mouth. He 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, but both are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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.