Rhode Island overdose death leads to the arrest of two brothers

Two men have been charged due to an overdose death in Rhode Island.

According to police, on Monday, officers from the Hopkinton Police Department responded to Old Hopkinton Cemetery Road to investigate a sudden death. Based on the investigation and evidence collected at the scene, the preliminary cause of death was suspected to be an overdose. Subsequently, officers initiated an investigation into the possible sale and distribution of narcotics to the victim. 

During the investigation, officers identified a suspect, 31-year-old Benjamin Meadows, who resides in Oakville, Connecticut. 

On Wednesday, officers from the Hopkinton Police Department contacted the suspect using the victim’s phone and arranged a controlled purchase of fentanyl in exchange for cash. 

The suspect arrived at the predetermined location, delivered the suspected narcotics, and accepted the cash. Following the exchange, officers from the Hopkinton Police Department, assisted by detectives from the Westerly Police Department, converged on the target vehicle and took two male suspects into custody. 

A subsequent search of the suspects’ vehicle resulted in the seizure of additional narcotics, as well as packaging and distribution equipment. 

As a result of the investigation and subsequent arrests, Benjamin Meadows was charged with one count of Delivery of Schedule II Drugs-Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Drugs-Fentanyl, and Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. 

29-year-old David Meadows, the brother of Benjamin Meadows, was charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Drugs-Fentanyl, and Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, resisting arrest, and driving with a suspended license and operating an unregistered vehicle 

Court records show that both suspects were arraigned in 4 Division Court on Thursday and were held without bail after pleading not guilty. 

This investigation is ongoing with the assistance of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and additional charges may be forthcoming. 

Anyone with information regarding the sale or distribution of these highly dangerous narcotics is encouraged to contact the Hopkinton Police Department’s Detective Division at 401-377-7750.