THOMASTON — Following the investigation related to a near-fatal overdose of fentanyl, Ashley Benner, 39, of Thomaston, was arrested April 11 on charges of aggravated drug trafficking.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Thomaston Police Department announced the arrest in an April 12 news release, saying the investigation was related to a near-fatal overdose by an acquaintance of the woman.

Bennett was arrested for trafficking in Schedule W drugs (crack cocaine and fentanyl.

On Saturday, April 9, 2022, Maine Drug Enforcement agents from the Mid-Coast District Task Force responded to a request for assistance by the Thomaston Police Department. Thomaston Officers were at the scene of a suspected drug overdose. The adult male victim who was unresponsive was transported to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockland by Thomaston EMS, according to the news release.

Over the next several days, agents and investigators conducted interviews and processed the scene. The investigation revealed the victim had purchased what he believed to be cocaine from Benner, consumed the drug, and suffered an overdose, the release said.

On Monday, April 11, 2022, at approximately 4 p.m., agents and Thomaston Police located Benner as she arrived at her residence on Old County Road in Thomaston. 

Benner, who was alone in her vehicle, was arrested without incident for aggravated trafficking in fentanyl stemming from her role in distributing the fentanyl that caused the overdose, the release said.

Police seized at the time of her arrest one ounce (28 grams) of fentanyl, one ounce (28 grams) of cocaine, a digital scale, and $45,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

Two additional counts of aggravated trafficking were added based on the quantity of the seized fentanyl and cocaine.

Benner was transported to the Knox County Jail where bail was set at $1,500 for all charges.

A probation hold was lodged on Benner as she is currently on probation from a 2019 drug trafficking conviction.

The victim has been released from the hospital.

If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in this state, you are urged to contact the MDEA office closest to you by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or calling the MDEA tip-line at 800-452-6457.