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, pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, trafficking cocaine, trafficking fentanyl and two counts of conspiracy to violate drug law. Adams was sentenced to three and a half to five years in state prison on June 17 by Franklin County Superior Court Judge David Hodge.
Jason Maxim, 36, of Athol, pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, trafficking cocaine and two counts of conspiracy to violate drug law. Maxim was sentenced to three years in prison on July 28 by Franklin County 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 state. Adams was represented by attorney Michael Sheridan, while Maxim was represented by attorney Naseam Fonseca. The sentences were jointly recommended by the prosecution 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,” Lanciani said in a statement. “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.”