Philly Man Charged After Selling Fatal Drug Dose: DA

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia man is facing charges related to trafficking heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and multiple types of pills and more, according to Montgomery County officials.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Malloy said Edwin V. Rodriguez, 37, of Philadelphia, was arrested and charged with 12 counts of possession with intent to deliver, aggravated assault, simple assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal use of a communication facility.

The investigation into Rodriguez began following the overdose death of 36-year-old Patrick Cumiskey at his Abington Township home on April 13.

Abington Police and Second Alarmers Rescue Squad responded to the home at 5:31 p.m., but Cumiskey could not be revived and was pronounced dead.

An investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau Narcotics Enforcement Team, Abington Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Narcotics Unit IDIS began, and it was determined through video surveillance and cell phone communications that Cumiskey bought illegal drugs from Rodriguez earlier that day as well as at other times, the DA's office alleged.

Detectives conducted in-person surveillance on the defendant as well as used cell phone data to establish multiple drug transactions where Rodriguez sold drugs to individuals before and after Cuminsky’s death, the DA's office said.

On April 21, a search warrant was executed on Rodriguez home at 233 Benner St. in Philadelphia.

From his person, residence, and vehicle, authorities found about 555 baggies of fentanyl/heroin, 120 vials of methamphetamine, 80 grams of crack cocaine, two pounds of marijuana and multiple pills, according to the DA's office. Two firearms, ammunition, a variety of drug packaging materials and $7,994 were also collected, the DA's office said.

Rodriguez was arraigned on April 22 and was held after failing to post $250,000 bail.