Montville Man Charged with Distributing Heroin Involved in Southeastern Connecticut Overdoses

NEW LONDON, CT - Court officials announced Tuesday that the investigation of two drug overdose deaths in May 2016 has resulted in federal heroin distribution charges against two men.

The charges of Nestor Santana (also known as “Beans”) 29, of New London and James Butler, 23, of Montville stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users, according to a release.

Santana and Butler were arrested Tuesday on possession of and intent to distribute heroin charges. Their charges carry a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment.

Court documents said on 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 17-year-old female victim was administered two doses of Narcan (Naloxone), which were deemed unsuccessful, before she was transported to the hospital and died later that morning.

The investigation revealed that Ramon Gomez brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution. Gomez later sold a quantity of heroin to a person on May 28, who then distributed the heroin to the victim.

Investigators charged Santana with supplying Gomez with the heroin that caused the death of the victim.

Members of the Montville Police Department later responded to a Route 32 apartment on May 31 for an “untimely death” investigation. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 34-year-old female lying face down on the bathroom floor.

The victim’s death was determined to be “acute ethanol and fentanyl intoxication.”

It is alleged that the victim was supplied with heroin/fentanyl by Butler, who in turn was supplied by Gomez. It is also alleged that he was supplied by Santana.

Santana was arrested on September 29 after officers made purchases from him. Officers found an additional quantity of heroin and items used to process and package narcotics during a search of his residence.

Gomez, 41, of Uncasville has plead guilty to federal sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses. He is awaiting sentencing.

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