Drug Dealer Arraigned Following Fatal Overdose Investigation

Miguel E. Castillo-Moyo, 26, of Lawrence, was arraigned on Friday in Salem District Court on heroin and cocaine distribution charges after an investigation of a fatal drug overdose of a 34- year old Beverly woman.

Judge Matthew Machera ordered Castillo-Moyo held on $100,000 cash bail. He also revoked Castillo-Moyo’s bail in an open case out of Peabody District Court for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

Isabel Ortega, 50, of Boston, was arraigned for conspiracy to violate drug laws, providing false information to police and two counts of forged or misuse of RMV documents. She also had three outstanding warrants on drug and traffic charges. She was held on $100,000.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Patrick Collins told the court that on Tuesday, March 10, Beverly Police and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney’s Office responded to a report of an unattended death at 32 Broadway in Beverly. Based on evidence at the scene, police suspected that the woman died of a heroin overdose. In examining her mobile phone, police identified a man they suspected sold heroin and cocaine to the woman.

On Thursday, March 12, Beverly Police, Massachusetts State Police Central Narcotics Task Force and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney’s Office, arranged to purchase heroin and cocaine from the suspected dealer. Upon arrival, the man allegedly realized that he was set-up and began to flee. Police officers were able to place him into custody after a brief struggle. The defendant was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

Two Police Detectives and a Trooper Injured During Drug Arrests

Meanwhile, police observed Ortega in the car that Castillo-Moyo had allegedly driven to the scene. As police approached the vehicle, they observed Ortega allegedly attempting to swallow what appeared to be drugs. Police arrested Ortega when they learned that she had an outstanding Lynn warrant.

They are both scheduled to be back in court on April 7. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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