Following the recent death of a Bergen County man due to a fatal drug overdose, two others from Paterson, New Jersey have been charged with numerous charges, including strict liability of drug induced death, manslaughter, and conspiracy to distribute heroin.
According to Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli, 19-year-old Kaleik Easton and 20-year-old Timothy Volpe are accused drug distributors and are allegedly responsible for the death of 22-year-old Allendale resident Brendan Cole, which occurred in January.
After determining that Cole died of a heroin overdose, officials from the major crimes unit as well as the narcotics task force of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office tracked the lethal substance back to Easton and Volpe. Per reports, the two accused sold 100 bags of heroin to undercover detectives shortly after the investigation began, at which time they were charged with heroin distribution in the third degree.
This week, authorities filed the additional charges for strict liability of drug induced death and manslaughter. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9, strict liability for drug-induced death is considered a crime of the first degree, which is punishable by a term of incarceration ranging from 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison. In addition, manslaughter, which is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4, is a second degree offense, punishable by a period of between 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85% to be served under The No Early Release Act (NERA).
The original charges filed against Easton and Volpe were serious; however, those with which they have been charged most recently bear significantly more severe consequences if they are ultimately convicted.
Volpe and Easton continue to be held at th Bergen County Jail, with their bails set at $500,000 and no option for 10 percent.
For more information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Prosecutors target accused drug dealers in heroin overdose death of Allendale man
