Glenolden man arrested for dealing fentanyl-laced cocaine that resulted in fatal overdose | News

Ricky Latimer, 32, of Glenolden, was arrested and charged with dealing fentanyl-laced cocaine that resulted in the fatal overdose of a 44-year-old Collingdale man Feb. 22.

The announcement comes at the conclusion of a three-month investigation conducted by Corporal William Carter of the Collingdale Police Department and Detective Timothy Deery of the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID). 

Ricky Latimer, of the 400 block of Hillcrest Avenue in Glenolden, is charged with drug delivery resulting in death, a felony of the first degree, involuntary manslaughter, a misdemeanor of the first degree, ten counts of delivery of a controlled substance, ungraded felonies, and ten counts of illegal use of a communication facility, felonies of the third degree. The drug delivery death charge carries with it a statutory maximum of 20-40 years in state prison.

The Collingdale Police Department and Mercy Fitzgerald Medics responded to the 1000 block of South Lynbrook Road in Collingdale Feb. 22, at 1:25 p.m.,  for a report of a cardiac arrest where a 44-year-old male was found and pronounced deceased at the scene.

Collingdale Police Corporal William Carter, CID Detective Timothy Deery, along with CID Crime Scene detectives responded to the victim’s residence. Detectives located the victim’s cellular telephone in the bedroom next to the deceased victim. In the basement of the home, detectives located 12 plastic bags containing white powder residue that was subsequently determined to contain cocaine. Dr. Fredric N. Hellman, Delaware County Medical Examiner, conducted a post-mortem, examination on the deceased victim and ruled the cause of death as multiple drug intoxication, including fentanyl and cocaine.

As the result of further police investigation, including a forensic examination of the victim’s cellphone found at the scene, it was established that an individual known as “Ricky,” aka Ricky Latimer, was the drug dealer who delivered the fentanyl-laced cocaine that resulted in the victim’s death.

Records show from Nov. 23, 2018 until Feb. 21, 2019, Latimer delivered cocaine to the victim at the victim’s residence on at least 10 separate occasions. Investigation revealed that on February 21, 2019, Latimer delivered $100 worth of cocaine to the victim at his house, causing the victim’s overdose death.

Collingdale Police Chief Kenneth Felker said, “Today’s arrest was made possible through cooperation from several organizations. District Attorney Kat Copeland and her CID team were instrumental in helping the Collingdale Police Department make this arrest. In dealing with this drug epidemic, we must remember that those who pass away were someone’s son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, aunt or uncle. This scourge has touched numerous families throughout the United States and is decimating an entire generation. People who prey on those who are addicted will be held accountable for their greed. I want to commend Corporal William Carter of the Collingdale Police and Detective Timothy Deery of the District Attorney’s Criminal Investigation Division for their tireless efforts to bring this case to justice.”

“Fentanyl is a highly-addictive synthetic alternative to morphine and is used to treat pain in the terminally ill. The combination of fentanyl with cocaine exponentially increases the potency of both drugs,” said District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland. “Once ingested, this deadly mixture creates a powerful high and often, sadly, causes immediate death. Dealers should know that when they sell these deadly drugs, they are facing a sentence of up to 20 to 40 years in prison. In Delaware County, our Narcotics Task Force will continue to seek out drug dealers and hold them accountable for these deaths. As the result of the excellent investigative work of CID Detective Timothy Deery and Collingdale Corporal William Carter, we were able to trace this deadly drug to the dealer, Ricky Latimer, who clearly had no regard for human life. He preyed upon the victim’s weakness and desperation, taking advantage of his struggle with substance use disorder. In this case, he repeatedly delivered drugs for profit, in exchange for another man’s life.”

District Attorney Copeland, Chair of Delaware County’s Heroin Task Force, noted that in addition to arrests and prosecutions, officials will continue to take proactive steps to address the opioid epidemic, by raising awareness about the dangers of these drugs and connecting residents who are struggling with addiction with treatment and recovery resources.

On behalf of the Commonwealth, Assistant District Attorney Mary Mann, is prosecuting the case.

Individuals who have witnessed a drug deal in their neighborhood or suspect illegal drug activity can send tips to the Office of the District Attorney by calling 610-891-4700.