Man Faces Drug Charges After Informant Passes Away

September 30, 2015

There’s No Substitution For Experience

By Brian D. Roman, Attorney at Law

A young man who used to be a student at the University of Massachusetts is now facing charges after another student—who also happened to be an informant for the police department—passed away.

The young man who passed away had been caught with drugs back in 2012. The police thought he was selling both LSD and Molly to other students. In order to avoid any penalties, the young man agreed to start working with police as they tried to track down and arrest another student who they also thought was a drug dealer.

Because of this arrangement, the young man also never had to tell his parents what he was doing.

Now, that man has passed away. On parents week, his body was found in his dorm room, and he appears to have died due to an overdose of heroin. The police did discover a hypodermic needle that was in the room.

The man’s mother now says that the police missed out on an easy chance to save her son’s life by not doing more the first time.

After the death, the second student was arrested. Police want to charge him with both distributing heroin and with involuntary manslaughter. He is 27 years old. The arrest was made on Monday, September 28.

When a complex set of circumstances leads to an arrest, it’s important for those who have been accused to know exactly what they are being charged with and what legal options they have in the face of those charges. Everyone deserves a  fair trial , and everyone has a right to his or her day in court.

Source : Boston.com, “ Former UMass student charged in death of campus drug informant ,” Lloyd Mallison, Sep. 29, 2015

Police car with flashing red and blue lights, night setting, blurred city lights in background.
October 21, 2025
Understanding Massachusetts Domestic Violence Laws: What You Need to Know Before You Speak to Police
Man in interrogation room being questioned by two people in red suit.
May 20, 2025
Being charged with a criminal offense can be overwhelming, but having a criminal defense attorney on your team can help you assess the charges against.
Lawyer in suit writing at desk, gavel and scales of justice present.
April 30, 2025
Being charged with assault and battery in Massachusetts can disrupt your life in ways you might not anticipate.
A book titled
April 22, 2025
Facing a domestic violence charges can feel overwhelming.
Judge's hands writing, gavel, and sign reading
March 6, 2025
Getting a child support order modified is not a given. Talk with a family lawyer right away for specific help with your case if you need a modification.
Sad boy with parents in background, sitting on sofa.
February 10, 2025
If you are involved in a child custody dispute, be aware of the rights that you have as a parent.
Hands of two people holding a toy house, symbolizing property division.
January 28, 2025
Here in Massachusetts, property is divided a bit differently in a divorce than it is in some states.
Gavel with wedding ring on table, couple signing documents, possibly a divorce settlement.
November 14, 2024
You can file for divorce in Rhode Island if you or your spouse has lived in the state for at least 12 months.
Statue of Lady Justice with scales and a gavel on a desk in a sunlit office.
March 6, 2024
In the realm of legal jurisprudence, one fundamental principle stands tall as a pillar of protection for individuals: the privilege against self-incrimination.
Handcuffs and gavel on a dark surface, suggesting a legal or justice context. Blue and red lighting.
October 4, 2023
In the complex realm of criminal law, defending individuals charged with drug possession requires a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and unwavering dedication.