A man has pleaded guilty to selling the drugs that caused a deadly overdose on Rochester's north side. Miguel Martinez pleaded guilty yesterday to criminally negligent homicide and criminal sale of a controlled substance. Prosecutors say Martinez sold fentanyl last May to the 68-year-old victim, who was later found unresponsive at his apartment on Resolute Circle. Martinez will be sentenced in June.
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Miguel Martinez Pleads Guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree for the Overdose Death of a 68-year-old Male
Rochester, NY- On March 11, 2019, 41-year-old Miguel Martinez pled guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree for causing an opioid related death of a 68-year-old male.
On May 6, 2018, the victim was found unresponsive at his apartment on Resolute Circle. The investigation revealed that he purchased fentanyl from Miguel Martinez shortly before his death. After a thorough investigation conducted by the Monroe County Heroin Task Force and the Rochester Police Department, Miguel Martinez was arrested.
“Drug-dealers can no longer plead ignorance. We have said it time and again, if you sell an illegal drug that results in a fatal overdose, we will hold you accountable and charge you accordingly,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “Miguel Martinez sold heroin laced with fentanyl to the victim, knowing it was a deadly combination. I know for a fact that the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office does not tolerate individuals pushing this poison in our community.”
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant District Attorney Gregory Clark, of the Special Investigations Bureau.
“I want to thank the Monroe County Heroin Task Force and the Rochester Police Department for the extensive investigation that led to yesterday’s admission of guilt,” said Special Assistant District Attorney Gregory Clark. “The result of this investigation is two-fold. Not only does it bring justice to the friends and family of the victim, but it prevents Miguel Martinez from selling these life-threatening narcotics to other members of our community.”
Miguel Martinez will be sentenced by County Court Judge John DeMarco on June 21, 2019.