3 Charged In Fentanyl Overdose Death Of Berkeley Man: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — Three people were charged in connection with the overdose death of a 55-year-old Berkeley man, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Michael Wormann, 38, of Toms River, Ryan Thompson, 35, of Trenton, and Tina Martinez, 61, also of Trenton were all charged with strict liability drug induced death after the man overdosed on fentanyl on Sept. 29, 2023, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

On that day, Berkeley police responded to a Torrey Pines Drive home for a report of an unresponsive man, Billhimer said.

But when they arrived, the man was already dead, apparently of a drug overdose, Billhimer said.

Investigation revealed that Wormann, Thompson and Martinez were all involved with distributing fentanyl to the man the day before his death, Billhimer said.

On Sept. 30, Wormann was charged with distribution of fentanyl, possession of less than one-half ounce of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl, Billhimer said. He was taken into custody and then released on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Martinez was charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on Oct. 17, Billhimer said. She was taken to New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Trenton and released on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Thompson was also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on Oct. 20 and taken to Ocean County Jail where he was lodged pending a detention hearing, Billhimer said.

Further investigation and toxicology analysis found that the Berkeley man had fentanyl in his system, which the Ocean County Medical Examiner's Office determined to be the cause of his death, Billhimer said.

Subsequently, the three were additionally charged with strict liability drug induced death on Nov. 14.

Thompson was served with the charges via a warrant at Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending trial.

Wormann surrendered himself to Berkeley police on Nov. 15 and was taken to Ocean County Jail, where he was released due to bail reform, Billhimer said.

Martinez was taken into custody at her Trenton home on Nov. 30 by Berkeley and Trenton police, Billhimer said. She was taken to Ocean County Jail where she remains pending a detention hearing.