Portland, Maine — A 28-year-old Massachusetts man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in Maine, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing battle against opioid distribution.
Background
Devon Ashton, hailing from Massachusetts, was sentenced on January 10, 2024, to 72 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. This sentence comes after Ashton pleaded guilty in July 2023 to charges of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically fentanyl and cocaine.
Details of the Offense
According to court records, between January and March 2023, Ashton sold fentanyl to undercover drug agents on four separate occasions, totaling approximately 192 grams. In late March 2023, Ashton was stopped for speeding in Lewiston, Maine. During this stop, authorities seized approximately 59 grams of cocaine and $8,000 in cash from his vehicle. He was subsequently arrested in May 2023.
Prior Convictions and Additional Charges
Ashton’s criminal history includes previous convictions for unlawful firearms possession and assault, among other offenses. While awaiting sentencing for the drug trafficking charges, he was reportedly involved in a fight at the Strafford County Department of Corrections. This incident led to an indictment in New Hampshire for the crime of assault by a prisoner.
Broader Context
Ashton’s case is part of a larger pattern of drug trafficking activities affecting Maine and surrounding regions. In recent years, several individuals have been charged and sentenced for their roles in distributing controlled substances, particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl, across Penobscot and Aroostook counties.
For instance, in August 2024, James Valiante, a 42-year-old man from Linneus, Maine, pleaded guilty to his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl between January 2018 and December 2021. Valiante regularly obtained quantities of these drugs from a source in the Bangor area for redistribution in Aroostook County. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million.
Law Enforcement Efforts
The successful prosecution of Ashton and others involved in drug trafficking operations underscores the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Maine. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with local police departments, has been instrumental in investigating and dismantling drug trafficking rings in the state.
Community Impact
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than heroin, has been a major contributor to the opioid crisis in Maine and across the United States. The distribution of fentanyl has led to a surge in overdose deaths and has strained public health resources. Efforts to curb the trafficking and distribution of such substances are critical to safeguarding public health and safety.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Devon Ashton serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by drug trafficking in Maine. Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the distribution of controlled substances, aiming to reduce the availability of these dangerous drugs in communities and mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis.
(Source : newsbreak.com)