GREENFIELD – An Athol couple has been sentenced to state prison following an investigation that began after an individual overdosed at the residence of one of the defendants, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s office.
Erica Adams, 40, of Athol, plead guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; trafficking cocaine; trafficking fentanyl; and two counts of conspiracy to violate the drug law. Adams was sentenced to 3½ to 5 years in state prison on June 17 by Franklin Superior Court Judge David M. Hodge.
Jason Maxim, 36, of Athol, plead guilty to charges of intent to distribute fentanyl; trafficking cocaine; and two counts of conspiracy to violate the drug law. Maxim was sentenced to three years in state prison on July 28 by Franklin Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Trapani.
An investigation by the Northwestern District Anti-Crime Task Force revealed that, despite the overdose, Adams continued selling narcotics from the residence, and her boyfriend Maxim later joined her in the drug trafficking.
Assistant District Attorney Aidan Lanciani prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Adams was represented by Attorney Michael Sheridan of South Hadley. Maxim was represented by Attorney Naseam Fonseca of Worcester. The sentences were jointly recommended by the Commonwealth and the defense.
“Cases like this highlight the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts to identify and hold accountable individuals who continue to distribute dangerous narcotics in our communities,” said Lanciani. “The work of the Northwestern District Anti-Crime Task Force, including in particular, Detective Travis Rushford from the Orange Police Department, was critical in uncovering that this drug activity continued even after a serious overdose occurred at the residence and an initial arrest. Their dedication to investigating and disrupting the illegal distribution of fentanyl and other substances helps make our communities safer.”