Prosecutor: Drug Dealer Charged in Death of Burlington County, NJ, Customer
Authorities in Burlington County say a 35-year-old Trenton drug dealer has been charged with causing the death of an Eastampton man who fatally overdosed on fentanyl last year.
According to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina, Robert Rentas was arrested on December 1st and has been charged with first-degree strict liability for drug-induced death and third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
The investigation began on November 12, 2020, after Emergency Medical Services personnel and officers from the Eastampton Township Police Department were dispatched to a residence for a report of a 34-year-old unresponsive male. Narcan was administered and chest compressions were performed, but it was determined by EMS workers on the scene that he was deceased and beyond resuscitative efforts.
An autopsy determined the death was caused by fentanyl toxicity and the drugs that led to the overdose had been purchased from Rentas, according to Coffina.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday in superior court.
The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.