Suspected Hopkinton Overdose Death Leads To 2 Arrests: Cops

The two brothers were arrested on conspiracy and drug charges after the suspected overdose death, police said.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

Aug 20, 2026 9:56 AM EDT | Updated Aug 20, 2026 12:01 PM EDT

Two bothers were arrested on conspiracy and drug charges following a suspected overdose death, police said. (Courtesy of the Hopkinton Police Department)

HOPKINTON, RI — Two bothers were arrested on conspiracy and drug charges following a suspected overdose death, police said.

Officers responded to the sudden death at a residence on Old Hopkinton Cemetery Road Monday.

"Based on the investigation and evidence collected at the scene, the preliminary cause of death was suspected to be an overdose," the Hopkinton Police Department said in a media release.

"Subsequently, officers initiated an investigation into the possible sale and distribution of narcotics to the victim," the release said.

The investigation led the law to 31-year-old Benjamin Meadows, a resident of Oakville, Connecticut, according to the release.

On Wednesday, officers contacted Meadows and "arranged a controlled purchase of fentanyl in exchange for U.S. currency," the release said.

Meadows "arrived at the predetermined location, delivered the suspected narcotics, and accepted the currency," according to the release.

"Following the exchange, officers from the Hopkinton Police Department, assisted by detectives from the Westerly Police Department, converged on the target vehicle and took two
male suspects into custody," the release said.

A subsequent search of the suspects' vehicle resulted in the seizure of additional narcotics, as well as packaging and distribution equipment," according to the release.

Meadows was charged with delivery of fentanyl, possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, the release said.

Meadows' brother, 29-year-old David Meadows, was also arrested. David Meadows was charged with intent to deliver fentanyl, conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, resisting arrest, driving with a
suspended license and operating an unregistered vehicle, according to the release.

The Meadows brother were scheduled for a Thursday morning arraignment, the release said.