Maine Woman Arrested After Near Fatal Fentanyl Overdose

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, a Thomaston woman is facing aggravated drug trafficking charges after the near fatal overdose of an "acquaintance" of the woman.

According to the press release, on Saturday, April 9, 2022, Maine Drug Enforcement agents from the Mid-Coast District Task Force responded to a request for assistance by the Thomaston Police Department. Thomaston Officers were at the scene of a suspected drug overdose. The adult male victim who was unresponsive was transported to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockland by Thomaston EMS.

Over the course of an investigation that lasted several days, it was determined that the victim had bought what he thought was cocaine from a 39 year old Thomaston woman named Ashley Benner.  After consuming the drug, he suffered an overdose.

Over the next several days, agents and investigators conducted interviews and processed the scene. The investigation revealed the victim had purchased what he believed to be cocaine from Ashley Benner, consumed the drug, and suffered an overdose.

At about 4 PM on Monday, April 11th, 2022, Thomaston Police located Benner as she arrived at her residence on Old County Road in Thomaston.  She was alone in her vehicle at the time and was arrested without incident.

The press release goes on to say:

Seized from Benner at the time of her arrest was one ounce (28 grams) of fentanyl, one ounce (28 grams) of cocaine, a digital scale, and $45,000 in suspected drug proceeds. Two additional counts of Aggravated Trafficking were added based on the quantity of the seized fentanyl and cocaine.

Benner was transported to the Knox County Jail where bail was set at $1,500 for all charges.  She has been charged with Three counts, Class A, Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs, (Crack Cocaine & Fentanyl)

A probation hold was lodged on Benner as she is currently on probation from a 2019 drug trafficking conviction.

***NOTE: All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law*** 

The victim has been released from the hospital.