Drug Trafficking Charges for a Thomaston Woman over a Fentanyl OD

A Thomaston woman is facing charges after an acquaintance nearly died from fentanyl-laced cocaine that she allegedly supplied.

How Did the Investigation Unfold?

Ashley Benner, 39 of Thomaston, was arrested as the result of an investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Thomaston Police Department. It began when Thomaston Police responded to a suspected drug overdose on Saturday and requested help from the Mid-Coast District Task Force. The man was unresponsive and was transported to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockland by Thomaston EMS. He has since been released from the hospital.

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Interviews and evidence gathered at the scene led investigators to Benner, who they say allegedly sold the drugs to the victim. The man bought what he thought was cocaine, consumed the drug that was allegedly laced with fentanyl, and then suffered an overdose.

What Charges Does Ashley Benner Face?

Benner was arrested on Monday as she arrived at her home on Old County Road in Thomaston and was charged with Aggravated Trafficking in Fentanyl. Police searched her vehicle and seized one ounce of fentanyl, one ounce of cocaine, a digital scale, and $45,000 in suspected drug proceeds. After the search, officials added two additional counts of aggravated trafficking, based on the quantity of the seized drugs. Benner was taken to the Knox County Jail where bail was set at $1,500. In addition, a probation hold was lodged against her because she's currently on probation from a 2019 drug trafficking conviction.

How Do I Contact the MDEA if I Suspect Drug Sales in My Town?

Anyone with information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in the state is urged to contact the MDEA office closest to them, by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411), or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 800-452-6457.