Press Release  Drug Dealer Arraigned Following Fatal Overdose Investigation

Salem, Massachusetts — Miguel E. Castillo-Moya, 26, of Lawrence, was arraigned today in Salem District Court on heroin and cocaine distribution charges after an investigation of a fatal drug overdose of a 34- year old Beverly woman.  Judge Matthew Machera ordered him held on $100,000 cash bail.  He also revoked Mr. Castillo-Moya’s bail in an open case out of Peabody District Court for Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A (heroin) and Class B (cocaine).

Isabel Ortega, 50, of Boston, was arraigned for conspiracy to violate drug laws, providing false information to police and 2 counts of forged or misuse of RMV documents.  She also had 3 outstanding warrants on drug and traffic charges.  She was also held on $100,000.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Patrick Collins told the court that on March 10, 2015 Beverly Police and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney's Office responded to a report of an unattended death at 32 Broadway in Beverly.  Based on evidence at the scene, police suspected that the woman died of a heroin overdose.  In examining her mobile phone, police identified a man they suspected sold heroin and cocaine to the woman. 

On March 12, 2015 Beverly Police, MSP Central Narcotics Task Force and MSP Detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorney's Office arranged to purchase heroin and cocaine from the suspected dealer.  Upon arrival, the man allegedly realized that he was set up and began to flee.  Police officers were able to place him into custody after a brief struggle.  The defendant is charged with Possession of Class A (heroin) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Class B (cocaine) with Intent to Distribute, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct.  

Meanwhile, police observed Ms. Ortega in the car that Mr. Castillo-Moya had allegedly driven to the scene.  As police approached the vehicle, they observed Ms. Ortega allegedly attempting to swallow what appeared to be drugs.  Police arrested Ms. Ortega when they learned that she had an outstanding Lynn warrant. 

They are both due back in court on April 7, 2015 for a Pre-Trial Conference.  They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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