Overdose Death Charge: Salem Man Busted After Allegedly Selling Drugs That Killed

A 30-year-old Salem man has been charged with selling the drugs that lead to a fatal overdose, officials announced on Friday, June 30.

Ericson Almonte-Rojas was arrested with a stolen pistol and 25 grams of fentanyl this week, the Essex County District Attorney's Office said. He is accused of selling the drugs that led to a fatal overdose, authorities said.
Photo Credit: *Essex District Attorney’s Office*

Josh Lanier

06/30/2023 1:57 p.m.

Ericson Almonte-Rojas was charged with trafficking fentanyl more than 10 grams, unlicensed possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a felony, receiving stolen property, and possessing illegal ammunition, the Essex County District Attorney's Office said. He was being held on $15,000 bail.

Almonte-Rojas was arrested Thursday after police spoke with witnesses and pulled phone records of the person who overdosed, the prosecutor said. Officers reportedly found 25 grams of fentanyl on him during his arrest and a loaded 9mm pistol reported stolen in 2020, authorities said.

“This should send a message to anyone dealing in fentanyl that you will face the consequences,” Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said in a news release.

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