CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Benjamin Rogers, 32, formerly of Newmarket, New Hampshire, was sentenced to serve 138 months in prison after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl to a woman who died from using the drug.
According to court documents and statements in the plea proceeding, Rogers worked at a restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with Cassie Clermont. On Oct. 17, 2014, Rogers arranged to provide a quantity of drugs to Clermont. Text messages and witness statements showed that Rogers left the restaurant and later returned to the restaurant parking lot, where he met with Clermont and provided her with a quantity of drugs. Clermont later left the restaurant and went to her apartment in Portsmouth, where she was found dead the next day.
A quantity of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia were found near Clermont’s body. The New Hampshire Medical Examiner later found that Clermont, 30, died of acute fentanyl intoxication.
When originally questioned by the Portsmouth Police about the incident, Rogers falsely claimed that he had obtained heroin from Clermont, but then deleted incriminating text messages from his phone when an officer asked to see them. The incriminating text messages were recovered from Clermont’s phone.
“This case demonstrates some of the tragic consequences of the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire," said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “A young, vibrant woman who was striving to fight her addiction lost her life when she relapsed and used fentanyl. This needless death was the result of the defendant’s decision to ‘help’ her get access to drugs. This should send a message to the community that those who distribute opioids will face substantial consequences. While those suffering from addiction need access to treatment, those who sell or distribute these deadly substances will be prosecuted for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to address all facets of the opioid problem in our state."
"The state of New Hampshire is faced with an opioid crisis unlike ever before," said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. "Those responsible for distributing a lethal drug like fentanyl to citizens of the Granite State need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy people's lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office."
The case was investigated by the Portsmouth Police Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, the Newmarket Police Department, and the New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
