Bergen County, NJ – A 40-year-old Paterson man, Gaston Navarro, has been formally charged in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred in Garfield this past April. The charges, announced by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, include first-degree strict liability for drug-induced death and third-degree distribution of fentanyl.
This development comes after an intensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the overdose death of a 41-year-old man in Garfield, shedding light on the deadly impact of fentanyl distribution within the community.
Details of the Overdose Incident and Investigation
On April 24 at approximately 6:43 p.m., police responded to a medical emergency call at a residence in Garfield where they found an unresponsive 41-year-old man. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities suspected a drug overdose as the cause.
Following the tragic death, detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Garfield Police Department launched a joint probe. The investigation determined that the victim had ingested a controlled substance that contained a lethal dose of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for many overdose deaths nationwide.
Charges and Legal Proceedings Against Gaston Navarro
As a result of the investigation, Gaston Navarro was identified as the distributor of the fentanyl-laced drugs that caused the victim’s death. On August 20, he was charged with:
- First-degree strict liability for drug-induced death
- Third-degree distribution of fentanyl
It is important to note that Navarro was already in custody at the Bergen County Jail at the time of his new charges, due to an unrelated matter. He awaits a detention hearing in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack where further legal proceedings will be determined.
The Growing Impact of Fentanyl in Bergen County
This case highlights the increasing dangers posed by fentanyl in New Jersey and across the United States. Authorities continue to focus on targeting drug traffickers who distribute this potent opioid, which has been linked to a steep rise in overdose deaths.
“Holding distributors like Gaston Navarro accountable is crucial to combating the opioid crisis and preventing further loss of life,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.
Efforts are ongoing to educate the public and enforce stricter laws surrounding controlled substances to reduce the devastating impact on communities.
What’s Next in This Case?
The upcoming detention hearing for Navarro in Bergen County Superior Court will determine his custody status moving forward. The court will review the evidence and consider any further legal actions. Prosecutors emphasize their commitment to ensuring justice for the victims affected by fentanyl-related overdoses.
Key Takeaways:
- Gaston Navarro charged with first-degree drug-induced death and third-degree fentanyl distribution
- Fatal overdose occurred on April 24, 2024, in Garfield, NJ
- Investigation confirmed victim ingested fentanyl-laced substance
- Navarro already in Bergen County Jail awaiting detention hearing
- Case underscores the deadly consequences of fentanyl distribution